Abstract
This article is cursory look at the accreditation of college of education and improved teacher quality in Nigeria. The college of education (COEs) are institutions saddled with responsibility of training teachers for Nigerian primary schools and awarding the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE). COEs are supervised by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) who also accredits them. The instrument, standards and process of accreditation carried out by the NCCE is commendable. However, the performance of teachers from these institutions has not been encouraging despite provisions made available by government. These trained teachers employed by various primary schools have been observed to be lacking in pedagogical skills, knowledge, mastery of subject, readiness and professionalism after graduation. Consequently, one is tempted to ask if the accreditation of the COEs is a mere ritual or necessity. This paper discussed the accreditation process of COEs, quality of pedagogy and trained teachers. It also, highlights the possible reasons why trained teachers from the COEs underperform in the field and the need for proper teacher education since a nation cannot rise above the quality of its teachers. It is suggested that government in conjunction with Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Universal Basic Education Communication (UBEC) and NCCE should make and implement policies that will facilitate the training of the best mind as teachers. In addition, the COEs should be better funded to enhance the quality of trained teachers for an improved and quality pedagogy delivery in primary schools.