JAMB Ends Degree Admissions in Colleges of Education, Introduces NCE Route
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the end of admissions into degree programmes affiliated with Colleges of Education, a decision that will affect many young people seeking careers in teaching from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The new policy means Colleges of Education will no longer admit students into university-linked degree programmes run through partnerships with other universities.
According to JAMB, all new entrants into Colleges of Education will now begin their studies through the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme, which remains the main qualification route for teacher training institutions.
The Board stated that no new admission would be allowed into 100 and 200 levels of affiliated degree programmes in Colleges of Education from the next academic session.
The change is expected to reshape the pathway for thousands of students preparing to enter teacher education programmes. JAMB said candidates affected by the decision would be given options, including changing their institution, moving to the parent university offering the degree programme, or switching to the NCE programme.
For candidates choosing the NCE option, JAMB introduced compulsory verification of O’Level results before admission processing. The Board said the measure is aimed at strengthening admission procedures and ensuring that only qualified applicants enter teacher education programmes.
Education stakeholders have continued to emphasise the importance of quality teacher training, noting that well-prepared teachers play a major role in improving children’s learning experiences.
The new guidelines will also require Colleges of Education, examination centres and admission officers to follow the updated procedures to ensure a smooth transition.
