The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a major reform in Nigeria’s education sector by ending admissions into affiliated degree programmes offered through Colleges of Education. The new policy, which will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, establishes the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) as the sole admission route into Colleges of Education across the country. This development marks a significant shift in teacher education and tertiary admissions in Nigeria.
According to JAMB's newly released NCE and Agricultural National Diploma registration guidelines, no new admissions will be allowed into affiliated degree programmes run by Colleges of Education from the 2026/2027 academic session. The Board also directed that admissions into 100 and 200-level degree programmes within Colleges of Education must cease immediately. Candidates seeking admission into these institutions will now be required to enroll through the NCE programme. This policy is expected to affect thousands of prospective students who had planned to pursue university degree programmes through affiliated Colleges of Education.
For many years, affiliated degree programmes enabled Colleges of Education to partner with universities and award bachelor's degrees. Under this arrangement, students studied at Colleges of Education while receiving degrees from their partner universities. With the new directive, that pathway has effectively come to an end for future admissions.
Why JAMB Introduced the New Policy
Education experts believe the reform is aimed at strengthening teacher education and restoring the relevance of the NCE qualification. The move aligns with broader educational reforms designed to improve teacher training standards, streamline admissions, and ensure consistency across tertiary institutions. By making NCE the primary route into Colleges of Education, authorities hope to improve the quality of teacher preparation and professional development.
The policy also follows recent Federal Government reforms targeting the education sector, including efforts to increase enrollment in teacher education programmes and improve educational outcomes nationwide.
Options Available to Affected Candidates
To reduce the impact of the policy on candidates who had already applied for affiliated degree programmes, JAMB has provided several transition options.
- Transfer to another institution at no additional cost.
- Move to the parent university affiliated with the degree programme.
- Upgrade their second-choice institution to first-choice status.
- Switch to the NCE programme offered by the selected College of Education.
These options are available to both Direct Entry and UTME candidates who may be affected by the policy change.
New Admission Requirements for NCE Candidates
JAMB has also introduced mandatory O'Level verification for all NCE applicants. Candidates will be required to obtain an O'Level verification code from the relevant examination body before admission processing can be completed.
The Board stated that candidates who choose the NCE route and are recommended for admission will have any ongoing UTME or Direct Entry admission processes suspended automatically. This measure is intended to prevent multiple admission processes for the same candidate.
Additionally, Colleges of Education, accredited CBT centres, and Institutional Professional Registration Centres have been directed to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines and ensure strict compliance.
Impact on Nigeria's Education Sector
The decision is expected to significantly reshape the admission landscape for Colleges of Education in Nigeria. While some stakeholders believe the policy may reduce access to degree programmes through these institutions, others argue that it will strengthen teacher education and improve the professional standing of NCE graduates.
Education analysts say the reform could help address concerns about the quality of teacher preparation by ensuring that all future teachers pass through a standardized training pathway. It may also encourage stronger collaboration between universities and Colleges of Education within clearly defined regulatory frameworks.
The policy comes at a time when the government is implementing several reforms aimed at improving educational standards and expanding opportunities in critical sectors such as teaching and agriculture.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026/2027 admission cycle approaches, prospective students are advised to review the new guidelines carefully and take advantage of the transition options provided by JAMB. Candidates affected by the policy should complete any necessary institution changes or programme adjustments within the deadlines specified by the Board.
The end of affiliated degree admissions in Colleges of Education represents one of the most significant education policy changes in recent years. While its long-term impact remains to be seen, the reform is expected to play a key role in shaping the future of teacher education in Nigeria.
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