Appointing accountant to head college of education abnormal — NTI fellow

A fellow of the National Teachers Institute, Chief Sylvester Onoja, has observed that it is abnormal to appoint an accountant to head colleges of education.

Instead, Onoja insists that only trained and qualified teachers should be the ones to head colleges of education in the state.

Onoja was reacting to the recent appointment of an accountant, Dr. Fashagba Paul Femi, of the Department of Accounting, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, as Provost of the College of Education, Ankpa, Kogi State, by the state governor, Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Chief Onoja, who is a member of the Nigerian Academy of Education, noted in his letter to Gov. Ododo that, “It is incontrovertible that Colleges of Education are special institutions with a specific mandate to produce high-quality teachers to teach at the most critical formative rungs of the education ladder.”

He said, “Kogi State can only make the best of the advantages that come with owning two of the country’s earliest and most renowned advanced teacher training institutions if professionally trained teachers are appointed to head the administration of Advanced Teachers’ Colleges, also known as Colleges of Education, in the state.

“For one, professionally trained teachers possess a deep understanding of teaching and learning principles that enable them to make informed decisions about curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

“They can also develop and implement relevant, effective programs that meet the needs of modern education. This complements the instructional leadership and management skills that they possess and exhibit while providing guidance and support to faculty members, ensuring that instructional practices align with best practices.”

Onoja, who occupies an esteemed position as Emeritus Principal of King’s College, Lagos, pointed out that trained teachers possess the leadership and management skills necessary to effectively administer the college, incorporating critical areas like budgeting, personnel management, and strategic planning.

He added, “Professionally trained teachers can also provide effective mentorship and guidance to teachers in training, helping to shape the next generation of educators.

“A very important point for your attention, Your Excellency, is that professionally trained teachers can design and effectively implement professional development programs for faculty members, ensuring that they stay updated on best practices. They can also ensure that the college maintains high standards of quality and accountability.”
He, therefore, opined that for the advancement of educational courses, teachers can navigate the accreditation process, ensuring that the college meets the necessary standards.

“Your Excellency, as you seek to entrench a robust educational culture in Kogi State under your administration, I want to point out that professionally trained teachers can be used to foster a positive and supportive school-based culture that promotes collaboration, innovation, and student success. Their ability to build partnerships with local communities ensures that the college remains relevant and responsive to societal needs.

“It is in this context that I write to respectfully request that due diligence be exercised in selecting the most qualified and experienced professionals to head our Colleges of Education. This deliberate course of action derives from the fact that it is only professionally trained teachers with an appreciable level of pedagogical expertise who can provide effective and purposeful leadership in the guidance and management of Colleges of Education.

“It is my conviction that your government can lift Kogi State to an enviable height if education is given the right placement,” he said.