Research Article

ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF NCCE BENCHMARKS ON ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Ocheola Innocent Ewaoche1*, Maduagwu Ukamaka Martha1, Nwokocha Juliet Ijeoma1, Okpara Dolly Ogo1, Ejegwa Blessing Ene2
1 Department of Educational Foundation, Federal College of Education, Technical, ISU, Ebonyi State.
2 Department of Integrated Science, Federal College of Education, Technical, ISU, Ebonyi State.
* Corresponding author: innocentewaoche@gmail.com
Published: Jun, 2026
Pages: 154-162
Views: 34
Downloads: 25

Abstract

This study investigates the implementation and impact of the National Commission for Colleges of Education(NCCE) Benchmarks on assessment practices in Nigerian Colleges of Education. A descriptive survey design wasemployed with data collected from lecturers and academic administrators across federal, state, and privateinstitutions. Of 450 questionnaires administered, 412 were returned (91.6% response rate). Descriptive statisticsindicated a moderate level of benchmark implementation (Grand Mean = 2.87/4.00), with higher compliance incontinuous assessment weighting (M = 3.12) and lower compliance in moderation (M = 2.61) and feedbackmechanisms (M = 2.54). Inferential analyses showed significant differences across institution types (F(2, 409) =5.84, p < .05). A strong positive relationship was found between benchmark implementation and assessmentquality (r = .68, p < .05). Regression results revealed that benchmark implementation significantly predictedassessment quality (β = .64, t = 12.37, p < .05), explaining 46% of the variance (R² = .46). The findings indicatethat while NCCE Benchmarks influence assessment practices, uneven implementation particularly in moderationand feedback limits their effectiveness. Strengthening assessment literacy, monitoring, and institutional supportis recommended.

Keywords

Assessment practices Competency-based assessment NCCE Benchmarks teacher education Nigeria

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How to Cite

Ewaoche, O. I., Martha, M. U., Ijeoma, N. J., Ogo, O. D., & Ene, E. B. (2026). ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF NCCE BENCHMARKS ON ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA. Journal of Educational Research and Development, 21(1), 154-162.

O. I. Ewaoche, M. U. Martha, N. J. Ijeoma, O. D. Ogo, and E. B. Ene, "ASSESSING THE IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF NCCE BENCHMARKS ON ASSESSMENT PRACTICES IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA," Journal of Educational Research and Development, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 154-162, June 2026.

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