Unraveling the Past, Shaping the Future: A Qualitative Study on Historical Development of Colleges of Education in Oyo State (1980-2020)

Abstract This study examined the historical development of colleges of education in Oyo State, Nigeria, from 1980 to 2020 by revealing the evolution, enrollment of students, growth of staff and challenges of the colleges of education in Oyo State. The study employed a historical research design. Also, an interview schedule and a researchers’ designed questionnaire titled “Questionnaire on Historical Analysis of Colleges of Education in Oyo State Nigeria” (QHACED) with a reliability co-efficient of 0.85 were the instruments used for data collection. The population for this study comprised of 238 stakeholders of all the colleges of education in Oyo State, Nigeria. Both the qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were employed in the study. It was revealed that the trends of staffing at the colleges of education in Oyo State, Nigeria between 1980 and 2020 were fluctuating as upward and downward movements of staffing reflected. Also, challenges facing colleges of education in Oyo State were revealed which include; inconsistency and inadequate funding, vandalism of infrastructure, constant staff resignation among others. It was therefore recommended that government should ensure that a clear staffing policy for both academic and non-academic is implemented with clear criteria for recruitment of staff for different colleges in the state. The study's conclusion offer valuable insights for educators, policymakers and researchers seeking to enhance educational outcomes in Nigeria and similar contexts. Keywords: Historical Analysis; Teacher Education; Colleges of Education; Past; Future