The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has discontinued admissions into all affiliated degree programmes run by Colleges of Education, in a major reform of Nigeria’s teacher education system.
With the new policy, the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) becomes the only entry requirement for Colleges of Education starting from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The directive is contained in JAMB’s newly released NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines issued by the Office of the Registrar in June 2026.
According to the Board, “no admission into any affiliated programme in any College of Education from 2026/7 Session.”
JAMB further stated that direct entry into 100 and 200 levels in Colleges of Education has been abolished, insisting that all admissions must now begin from the NCE level.
“From the 2026/7 session, no admission into 100 or 200 level is allowed into any College of Education. All entrants are through NCE,” the Board said.
The decision effectively brings to an end affiliated degree arrangements between Colleges of Education and universities, a system that previously allowed students to earn university degrees through partnership programmes.
The reform is expected to affect candidates who had already applied for degree programmes through affiliated Colleges of Education for the upcoming admission cycle.
To ease the transition, JAMB outlined several options for affected candidates, including switching institutions free of charge, moving to the parent university linked to their programme, or converting their second-choice institution to first choice for processing.
“A candidate may choose to be moved to the parent university to which the Degree programme is affiliated,” the Board added.
Candidates have been given until June 22 to complete any changes.
For UTME candidates seeking admission into affiliated Colleges of Education, JAMB also provided options to either change institutions, adjust choices, or migrate to the NCE programme.
Those who opt for the NCE route will be required to obtain an O’Level verification code and pay a ₦700 registration fee on the JAMB portal.
JAMB explained that selecting the NCE option indicates a commitment to teacher training at the certificate level.
The Board further stated that candidates recommended for NCE admission will have any ongoing UTME or Direct Entry processes suspended.
It also noted that UTME applicants already in the system will be automatically migrated to their chosen first-choice Colleges of Education or relevant ND Agric programmes.
In addition, mandatory O’Level verification has been introduced for all NCE applicants, with fees set at ₦1,500 for one sitting and ₦2,000 for two sittings.
JAMB directed all Colleges of Education, registration centres, and its officials nationwide to strictly adhere to the new guidelines.
It explained that affiliated degree programmes previously allowed Colleges of Education to award university degrees in partnership with universities, but the arrangement will no longer apply to new admissions from the 2026/2027 session.
JAMB Ends Affiliated Degree Programmes in Colleges of Education
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