By FUNMILAYO ADEYEMI

Dr Angela Ajala has assumed office as the first female Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), pledging reforms to strengthen teacher education.

Her appointment by President Bola Tinubu marks a milestone in the Commission’s history, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion and strengthen leadership in Nigeria’s education sector.

Speaking at her inauguration in Abuja on Tuesday, Ajala said she accepted the responsibility with humility and a deep sense of duty, appreciating the confidence reposed in her by government.

She outlined priorities including quality teacher education, improved staff welfare and institutional growth, noting that collaboration, innovation and shared vision would drive sustainable reforms across the Commission.

“The future of teacher education in Nigeria must be a shared mission. Our work sits at the heart of national development,” she said.

Ajala described teachers as “the quiet architect of the nation’s future,” stressing that strengthening teacher preparation would impact national development and improve learning outcomes across sectors.

She assured staff of improved welfare and a conducive work environment to enhance productivity, efficiency and service delivery, while calling for support and cooperation to achieve the Commission’s mandate.

She emphasised strengthening colleges of education, promoting innovation in teaching methods and aligning training frameworks with global best practices to improve the quality and relevance of teacher education.

Earlier, the outgoing Executive Secretary, Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, handed over to Ajala, urging her to build on existing achievements and expressing confidence in her leadership capacity.

Okwelle also pledged his support and guidance where necessary, noting that continuity and consolidation of reforms would be essential to sustaining progress within the Commission.

Also speaking, Director of Colleges, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Uchenna Uba, described the appointment as a milestone for gender inclusion and expressed optimism for improved performance.

Uba said Ajala’s leadership could strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance institutional capacity and drive innovation across colleges of education nationwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured a formal handover, facility tour and interactions with staff, stakeholders and well-wishers.

Ajala has over three decades of experience in education and training, having served in leadership roles, including Executive Director of Ladela Schools since 2004.

She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and has completed professional courses in leadership, counselling, business strategy and agriculture. (NAN)