Abuja – In a landmark move set to reshape Nigeria’s teacher education landscape, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has formally discontinued admissions into affiliated degree programmes offered by Colleges of Education across the country.
The decision, which takes effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, means that the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) will once again become the primary and sole entry qualification into Colleges of Education, signaling a return to the institutions’ core mandate of training professional teachers.
The policy shift marks the end of an era in which many Colleges of Education, through affiliations with universities, offered degree programmes that attracted thousands of candidates seeking bachelor’s degrees without passing through conventional university admission routes.
Education stakeholders describe the development as a significant reform aimed at strengthening teacher education, restoring the relevance of the NCE qualification, and reinforcing the distinct role of Colleges of Education within Nigeria’s tertiary education framework.
Observers say the move is expected to redirect prospective students interested in degree programmes to universities and other accredited degree-awarding institutions, while allowing Colleges of Education to concentrate on producing qualified teachers for the nation’s growing education sector.
The decision is also seen as part of broader efforts to improve the quality of teacher training and address concerns that the proliferation of affiliated degree programmes had gradually overshadowed the traditional NCE pathway.
With the new directive, candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education from the 2026/2027 academic session will be required to pursue the NCE programme, which remains the statutory qualification for teacher training in the country.
Education analysts believe the policy could redefine admission patterns, boost enrollment into NCE programmes, and strengthen the professional identity of Nigeria’s teacher-training institutions.
As the implementation date approaches, prospective students, parents, and education administrators are expected to adjust to the new reality, which many view as a bold step toward restoring the original vision of Colleges of Education as the nation’s foremost centres for teacher development.
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