Date of Creation

The Faculty of Education was officially created on January 10th, 2008, following the 40th meeting of the Senate of Anambra State University (now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University). This meeting marked a significant milestone in the history of the university, as it approved the establishment of the Faculty, particularly focusing on Science and Technology Education. Since its inception, the Faculty has expanded its scope to include a diverse range of educational disciplines, now encompassing five major departments.

Important Milestones

Over the years, the Faculty of Education has grown to become a cornerstone of academic achievement within the university. Some of its most notable milestones include:

1. Establishment of Departments: Initially focused on Science and Technology Education, the Faculty now boasts five fully functional departments:

   – Department of Science Education

   – Department of Education Foundations

   – Department of Arts and Social Science Education

   – Department of Vocational Education

   – Department of Library and Information Science

2. Infrastructural Development: The Faculty has constructed three giant buildings that house staff offices, classrooms, a library, and state-of-the-art science education laboratories. These facilities are critical in providing students with the resources they need to excel in their studies.
3. Student Success: Students from the Faculty of Education consistently perform well, not only academically but also in various sectors of the economy. The Faculty has graduated over 3,000 undergraduate students and more than 300 postgraduate students since its inception. These graduates are not just job seekers; they are job creators, contributing significantly to national development.
4. Federal Scholarship Awards: In the 2023/2024 academic session, the Faculty attracted Federal Government scholarships for 126 graduating students, a testament to the quality of education provided.
5. Environmental Sustainability Initiatives: The Faculty has undertaken various initiatives to enhance its environmental sustainability. These include the beautification of the Faculty environment through landscaping, planting of trees and flowers, and the drilling of a functional borehole to ensure a steady water supply.
6. Recognition in International Conferences: The Faculty continues to gain international recognition, as evidenced by the current Dean, Prof. Nneka Rita Nnorom, who won the Best Paper Presenter Award at the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) conference held in Dubai in 2023.

Leadership and Achievements

Deans and Heads of Departments

The leadership of the Faculty of Education has played a critical role in its development and success. The Faculty has been led by a series of dedicated Deans, with Prof. Akusoba serving as Dean from 2011/2012 to 2012/2014. Current leadership includes highly qualified educators who are committed to advancing the mission of the Faculty.

Achievements

The Faculty has achieved numerous accomplishments since its establishment, including:

– The construction of three Faculty buildings with modern facilities, such as classrooms, staff offices, a library, and laboratories for science education.

– The academic excellence of its students, many of whom have gone on to excel in both academic and non-academic sectors.

– The graduation of over 3,000 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate students, many of whom have become successful educators and entrepreneurs.

– The award of Federal Government scholarships to 126 graduating students in the 2023/2024 academic session.

– The organization of interdisciplinary conferences and workshops, enhancing the academic environment for both students and staff.

– The landscaping and beautification of the Faculty’s environment, contributing to climate action by reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainability.

Future Targets

As the Faculty of Education looks toward the future, it has set several ambitious targets to ensure continued growth and excellence. These targets include:

1. Organizing international conferences, seminars, and workshops: The Faculty aims to foster a culture of academic collaboration and knowledge exchange by hosting international events that will bring together educators and researchers from around the world.
2. Participating in and winning national and international competitions: The Faculty is committed to encouraging its students and staff to compete on a global scale, showcasing their talents and innovations.
3. Sustaining the University’s 3 Vs (Visibility, Viability, and Values): The Faculty will continue to uphold the core values of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University by ensuring that its programs are visible, viable, and aligned with the institution’s broader mission.
4. Attracting more Federal scholarships: Building on the success of the 2023/2024 academic session, the Faculty aims to secure additional scholarships for both students and staff, providing further financial support and opportunities for academic growth.
5. Contributing to the National Climate Policy: The Faculty is committed to aligning itself with Nigeria’s National Climate Policy for 2021 to 2030 by taking meaningful steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the socio-economic impacts of climate change.

Departments

The Faculty of Education is divided into five key departments, each offering a unique set of programs designed to prepare students for careers in various fields of education. These departments are:

1. Department of Science Education: Focused on preparing students to become skilled educators in science subjects, this department emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience.
2. Department of Education Foundations: This department offers courses that provide students with a deep understanding of the philosophical, psychological, and sociological foundations of education.
3. Department of Arts and Social Science Education: Students in this department are trained to become educators in subjects such as history, economics, and social studies, with a focus on developing critical thinking and communication skills.
4. Department of Vocational Education: This department is dedicated to producing graduates who are equipped with the practical skills necessary to excel in vocational and technical education.
5. Department of Library and Information Science: This department prepares students for careers in information management, library science, and digital archiving.

Mission

The mission of the Faculty of Education is clear and concise: to produce teachers with professional knowledge, skills, and competencies required in the teaching industry. The Faculty aims to contribute to the revitalization and sustainability of the national economy by reducing unemployment and poverty through Technical and Innovative Education Training (TIET).

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Faculty of Education is grounded in several core values that guide its approach to education. These values include:

– Respect for work and dignity of the individual: The Faculty believes in the inherent worth of every individual and strives to instill a strong work ethic in its students.

– Inculcation of rational decision-making: Students are trained to make informed, ethical decisions in both their personal and professional lives.

– Promotion of ethical, moral, and spiritual values: The Faculty emphasizes the importance of integrity, empathy, and compassion in human relations.

– Shared responsibility for the common good: Students are taught the importance of contributing to the welfare of society as a whole.

– Respect for the dignity of labour: The Faculty promotes the value of hard work and the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of all individuals.

– National consciousness and unity: The Faculty is committed to fostering a sense of national pride and unity among its students.

– Development of mental and physical skills: Students are equipped with the skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields and contribute to the development of society.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Undergraduate Admissions

The Faculty of Education offers two main pathways for admission into its undergraduate programs:

1. Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME): This is a four-year standard program for students who meet the university’s minimum entry requirements. Candidates must have credit passes in five subjects, including English and Mathematics, and must also pass the university’s Post-UTME screening test.
2. Direct Entry: This is a three-year program for candidates who already hold an advanced qualification, such as an NCE, OND, or HND. Direct Entry candidates must also meet the university’s minimum requirements, including credit passes in English and Mathematics.

Postgraduate Admissions

The Faculty also offers a range of postgraduate programs, including PGDE, M.Sc., M.Ed., and Ph.D. programs. Admission into these programs requires candidates to meet specific academic criteria, including holding relevant undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications and meeting the university’s matriculation requirements.

Programmes Offered

The Faculty of Education offers a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including:

– Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

– Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)

– Master of Science in Education (M.Sc.Ed.)

– Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving field of education.

The Faculty of Education is a vibrant community, with a range of events and activities designed to enhance the student experience. These include:

– Classroom lectures and tutorials: Students are exposed to a rich academic environment, where they receive high-quality instruction from experienced educators.

– Seminars and workshops: The Faculty regularly hosts seminars and workshops on topics ranging from educational policy to teaching methodologies.

– Student outreach programs: Students are encouraged to participate in outreach programs that allow them to apply their skills in real-world settings.