New Policy Reshapes Teacher Education Pathway in Nigeria
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the end of admissions into degree programmes run by Colleges of Education through affiliations with universities.
The decision was unveiled during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja. It forms part of wider reforms aimed at strengthening teacher education and repositioning the National Certificate in Education (NCE) as the primary route for training teachers in Nigeria.
For many years, Colleges of Education partnered with universities to offer bachelor’s degree programmes. Under the arrangement, students studied in the colleges but graduated with degrees awarded by affiliated universities.
However, that pathway is now being phased out. Beginning with the 2026/2027 academic session, fresh admissions into such affiliated degree programmes will no longer be allowed.
The development follows a Federal Government directive designed to refocus Colleges of Education on their core mandate of producing qualified teachers through NCE programmes.
All Admissions to Colleges of Education Now Through NCE
JAMB’s new guidelines make it clear that Colleges of Education will admit candidates through the NCE route. According to the Board, “with effect from 2026/7 Session, no admission into 100 or 200 Level is allowed into any College of Education. All entrants are through NCE.”
The policy marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. It also reinforces the NCE as the foundation qualification for teacher training.
Education experts believe the move could improve regulatory clarity. It may also help standardise teacher preparation across the country.
Meanwhile, students already enrolled in affiliated degree programmes are expected to continue their studies under existing arrangements. The new policy applies primarily to fresh admissions.
UTME No Longer Required for NCE Candidates
The announcement comes shortly after another major reform affecting Colleges of Education. Earlier, the Federal Government exempted qualified NCE applicants from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, had said, “Candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.”
The policy is expected to reduce admission barriers for prospective teachers. It is also intended to make teacher education more attractive to young Nigerians.
JAMB Registration Still Mandatory
Although UTME is no longer compulsory for NCE applicants, JAMB registration remains a requirement. The minister stressed that candidates must still be captured within the national admission system.
He added that their credentials would be “screened, verified, and certified” before admission letters are issued through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
This process, according to authorities, will help maintain transparency and quality assurance in admissions. It will also ensure that all admitted students are properly documented within the national database.
Government Targets Wider Access and Better Teacher Supply
Furthermore, the Federal Government says the reforms are designed to expand access to higher education without lowering standards. Alausa explained that the new approach would “ease the pressure associated with UTME” and encourage more students to pursue teacher education, which he described as critical to national development. Nigeria has long faced concerns about teacher shortages and the quality of teacher preparation.
Consequently, policymakers hope the reforms will attract more candidates into the profession while strengthening the country’s education workforce.
As implementation begins, education stakeholders will closely monitor the impact on admissions, enrolment figures, and the future role of Colleges of Education nationwide.
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