Colleges of Education in Nigeria Converted to State Universities of Education: A Comprehensive Overview

Nigeria’s education sector is evolving to meet the demands of a growing population and the need for high-quality teacher training. A significant reform involves the conversion of select Colleges of Education (COEs) into State Universities of Education. This initiative aims to enhance teacher education, increase access to degree-level qualifications, and align Nigeria’s educational framework with global standards. This article explores the Colleges of Education in Nigeria that have been converted to State Universities of Education, their current names, historical context, conversion status, and broader implications. Anchor links from schoolings.org are embedded where relevant to provide authoritative references.

The Role of Colleges of Education in Nigeria

Colleges of Education in Nigeria are tertiary institutions focused on training professional teachers for primary and junior secondary education. They award the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), a three-year program that qualifies graduates to teach or pursue further studies. As of 2024, Nigeria has approximately 205 accredited COEs, including 27 federal, 82 private, and 54 state-owned colleges, according to the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) (schoolings.org).

Despite their vital role, COEs face challenges such as limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and the perception that NCE qualifications are less prestigious than university degrees. These issues have prompted state governments to convert select state-owned COEs into State Universities of Education, aiming to elevate teacher training and attract more students.

Rationale for Converting Colleges of Education to State Universities of Education

The conversion of COEs into State Universities of Education is driven by several strategic objectives:

• Enhancing Teacher Training: Universities of Education offer advanced programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, producing educators with specialized skills.
• Addressing Teacher Shortages: Nigeria faces a shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools, as reported by the 2022-23 Universal Basic Education Commission. Conversions aim to increase the supply of qualified educators.
• Aligning with Global Standards: Specialized universities for teacher education, such as those in developed countries, set a global benchmark Nigeria seeks to emulate.
• Expanding Higher Education Access: Conversions create additional university spaces, accommodating students seeking degree-level qualifications.
• Improving Funding and Infrastructure: As state universities, these institutions may attract increased funding for facilities, research, and faculty development.
• Reducing Stigma: Upgrading COEs to universities enhances their prestige, making teaching a more attractive career path.

List of Colleges of Education Converted to State Universities of Education and Their Current Names

Several state governments in Nigeria have converted their Colleges of Education into State Universities of Education to address regional educational needs and enhance teacher training. The process requires legislative approval from state assemblies, funding allocations, and accreditation by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Below is a list of state COEs that have been converted or are in the process of conversion, with their current names as of April 2025, based on recent policy announcements and web information. Anchor links from schoolings.org are included where applicable.

1. Former College of Education, Agbor, Delta State

• Current Name: Delta State University of Education, Agbor
• Historical Context: Established in 1979 by the then-Bendel State Government, the College of Education, Agbor initially focused on training teachers for primary and secondary schools. It was managed by the Delta State Government after the state’s creation in 1991.
• Conversion Status: In early 2022, the Delta State Government, under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, converted the college into the Delta State University of Education, Agbor, to enhance teacher training and higher education access in the region. The conversion was formalized through legislation by the Delta State House of Assembly, and the institution began operating as a university in the 2025/2026 academic session.
• Programs and Facilities: The institution previously offered NCE programs and is now expanding to include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in education, educational technology, and related fields. It is accredited by the NUC to operate as a degree-awarding institution.
• Location: Agbor, Delta State, South-South Nigeria.
• Impact: The conversion addresses the teacher shortage in Delta State and provides more degree opportunities for students in the South-South region.

2. Former Tai Solarin College of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State

• Current Name: Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun
• Historical Context: Established in 1978 as the Tai Solarin College of Education, this institution was named after human rights activist and educator Augustus Taiwo Solarin. It was a leading state COE focused on teacher training.
• Conversion Status: In 2005, the Ogun State Government upgraded the college to the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, making it Nigeria’s first state university dedicated to education. The NUC approved its university status in November 2005, and it has since operated as a fully-fledged university. Note that TASUED was adopted as a Federal University in 2025, renamed Tai Solarin Federal University of Education, but its initial conversion to a state university is relevant here.
• Programs and Facilities: TASUED offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in education, arts, sciences, and vocational education. It received NUC approval for additional programs in 2019 and is known for its research and teacher training excellence.
• Location: Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria.
• Impact: TASUED has set a precedent for state universities of education, enhancing teacher quality in the South-West and serving as a model for other conversions.

3. Former College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State

• Current Name: Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti
• Historical Context: Founded in 1983, the College of Education, Ikere was a prominent state COE affiliated with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, for degree programs. It trained teachers for Ekiti State’s basic education sector.
• Conversion Status: In 2020, the Ekiti State Government, under Governor Kayode Fayemi, converted the college into the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti, to broaden its academic scope beyond education to include science and technology. The conversion was formalized through a state law, and the institution began operating as a university in the 2025/2026 session.
• Programs and Facilities: The university offers undergraduate degrees in education, science, technology, and vocational studies. It is accredited by the NUC and is expanding its research and postgraduate programs.
• Location: Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, South-West Nigeria.
• Impact: The conversion enhances teacher training and supports Ekiti State’s focus on science and technology education, addressing regional skill gaps.

4. Former Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe, Lagos State

• Current Name: Lagos State University of Education, Epe
• Historical Context: Established in 1994 as the Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, this COE focused on training teachers for primary education in Lagos State.
• Conversion Status: In 2022, the Lagos State Government, under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, converted the college into the Lagos State University of Education, Epe, to expand access to degree-level teacher education. The conversion merged the college with the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, to form a multi-campus university. The transition was formalized by the Lagos State House of Assembly, and the university commenced operations in the 2025/2026 session.
• Programs and Facilities: The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in education, with plans to include programs in educational management and technology. It operates two campuses in Epe and Ijanikin.
• Location: Epe, Lagos State, South-West Nigeria (with a campus in Ijanikin).
• Impact: The conversion addresses Lagos State’s high demand for qualified teachers and provides more degree opportunities in Nigeria’s most populous state.

5. Former Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos State

• Current Name: Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin (Multi-Campus with Epe)
• Historical Context: Founded in 1958 as a Teachers’ Training College, it was upgraded to a COE in 1986 and named after educationist Adeniran Ogunsanya. It was a leading state COE in Lagos.
• Conversion Status: In 2022, alongside the Michael Otedola College, it was converted into the Lagos State University of Education, forming a multi-campus institution with campuses in Ijanikin and Epe. The conversion, approved by the Lagos State House of Assembly, took effect in the 2025/2026 session.
• Programs and Facilities: Offers undergraduate degrees in education, with plans for postgraduate programs. The Ijanikin campus focuses on sciences and vocational education.
• Location: Ijanikin, Lagos State, South-West Nigeria (multi-campus with Epe).
• Impact: The conversion strengthens teacher education in Lagos, supporting the state’s urban education needs.

Legislative and Administrative Framework

The conversion of state COEs into State Universities of Education involves:

• State Legislation: State Houses of Assembly pass bills to formalize conversions, as seen in Delta, Ekiti, and Lagos.
• NUC Accreditation: The NUC accredits the new universities and their programs, ensuring compliance with national standards (web:20).
• Funding: State governments allocate funds for infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and program development, though funding challenges persist.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Consultations with academic staff, students, and communities ensure smooth transitions. For example, Lagos State engaged stakeholders extensively before merging its two COEs.
• Dual Mandate: Some institutions may temporarily offer both NCE and degree programs during the transition, as outlined by the NCCE.

Challenges and Considerations

The conversion process faces several hurdles:

• Funding Constraints: State governments often struggle to fund universities, impacting infrastructure and faculty development.
• Faculty Capacity: Upgrading requires hiring faculty with advanced qualifications, which is challenging due to staffing shortages.
• Infrastructure: Many COEs lack university-standard facilities, necessitating significant investment.
• Resistance: Academic staff unions may resist due to concerns about job security and increased workloads.
• Regional Equity: Conversions must be balanced across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones to avoid disparities.

Broader Implications

The establishment of State Universities of Education has significant implications:

• Improved Educational Outcomes: Higher-quality teachers will address Nigeria’s teacher shortage and reduce the 20 million out-of-school children crisis.
• Economic Benefits: Increased access to university education will produce a skilled workforce, supporting state economies.
• Global Competitiveness: Aligning teacher education with international standards positions Nigeria as an educational leader in Africa.
• Community Development: Host communities benefit from job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and increased economic activity.

Conclusion

The conversion of Colleges of Education into State Universities of Education is a transformative step for Nigeria’s education sector. Institutions such as Delta State University of Education, Agbor; Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; and Lagos State University of Education (Epe and Ijanikin campuses) are leading this change. These universities leverage their historical legacies and strategic locations to train educators equipped for Nigeria’s educational challenges.

Despite challenges like funding and infrastructure, the benefits—improved teacher quality, expanded higher education access, and global alignment—are immense. Continued collaboration among state governments, the NUC, NCCE, and stakeholders will ensure the success of these institutions. By investing in State Universities of Education, Nigeria is building a robust foundation for a brighter educational future, empowering its youth to thrive in a competitive world.