The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday in Abuja approved the upgrade of four Federal Colleges of Education to the status of universities of education.

The Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, stated this when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the weekly FEC meeting, which was presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to him, the colleges are: Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo; Federal College of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education, Kano; and Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri.

“The Council approved the conversion of four old Colleges of Education to new Federal Universities of Education.

“These colleges are; Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo is now approved to be converted to be Adeyemi Federal University, Ondo.

“Federal College of Education, Zaria, will now be Federal University of Education, Zaria; Federal College of Education, Kano, has now been converted to Federal University of Education, Kano.

“Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri, is now approved as a university to be known as Alvan Ikoku University of Education,” Shekarau said.

He also said the conversion of the colleges was meant to ensure quality teacher education in the country.

The minister also disclosed that the council approved the upgrading of the College of Medical Health Sciences under the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, to Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo in Benue.

He said the approval was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure the production of quality graduates into the various fields of medicine and sciences. (NAN)

•Photo shows FEC