….Institution Begins Full Degree Programme with Strong Applicant Turnout
…..Alumni Set to Commission Six Legacy Projects During Anniversary Events
The Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, is set to graduate a total of 2,361 students at its 26th combined convocation ceremony, marking another milestone in the institution’s academic history as it also celebrates its 50th founding anniversary.
The Provost of the college, Dr. Rafiu Soyele, disclosed this during a press conference held in Abeokuta on Friday, ahead of the convocation ceremony and anniversary celebrations.
According to Soyele, the graduating students are drawn from two academic sessions, with 1,330 students from the 2022/2023 academic session and another 1,031 from the 2023/2024 academic session.
He explained that the college remains committed to its core mandate of producing competent teachers capable of shaping the future of Nigeria through quality education delivery.
The provost emphasised that teachers remain the backbone of national development, noting that no nation can attain sustainable growth without investing heavily in teacher education and human capacity development.
He further stressed that the institution has continued to contribute meaningfully to national development through the training of skilled manpower across different sectors of the economy.
Soyele noted that the college has maintained steady growth in academic and professional manpower, disclosing that the institution currently boasts over 170 PhD holders across various departments.
The provost described the development as a reflection of the college’s commitment to academic excellence and global best practices in teacher education.
FCE Abeokuta holds a unique historical position as the first tertiary institution established in Ogun State, having been founded in 1976 as a Federal Advanced Teachers College.
Over the years, the institution has expanded its academic offerings, including Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes and other specialised teacher training courses designed to meet national manpower needs.
Soyele also announced that the college has received federal government approval to run full degree programmes, marking a major transition in its academic structure.
Available information shows that the institution commenced degree programmes across 29 courses beginning from the 2025/2026 academic session, following government directives for federal colleges of education to expand academic offerings.
The provost revealed that the degree programmes have already attracted significant interest, with more than 600 applicants applying for admission into the various courses.
He disclosed that over 400 applicants have already received admission letters, indicating strong public confidence in the new academic structure.
Soyele added that the federal authorities have directed the institution to discontinue certain affiliation arrangements with other institutions as part of the new degree programme framework.
He described the upcoming convocation ceremony as unique because it coincides with the college’s golden jubilee celebration, describing the moment as historic for staff, students and alumni.
The provost commended the college’s alumni association for its consistent support and contributions to infrastructural and academic development of the institution.
He disclosed that the alumni body would commission six completed projects as part of activities lined up for the anniversary celebration.
According to him, alumni contributions remain critical to the sustainability and continuous growth of higher institutions, especially in areas of infrastructure and student support services.
Soyele noted that Saturday of the convocation week has been dedicated specifically to alumni activities, including project commissioning and engagement sessions.
He said the college would also use the convocation ceremony to honour eminent Nigerians who have made significant contributions to the development and progress of the institution over the years.
The provost expressed optimism that the institution would continue to play a leading role in teacher education and human capacity development in Nigeria in the coming decades.
He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to sustaining academic excellence, strengthening research output and expanding opportunities for students in line with global education standards.
The convocation and anniversary celebrations are expected to attract stakeholders from the education sector, government officials, alumni, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from across the country.
