JAMB Makes NCE the Entry Route for Colleges of Education Admissions (Nigeria, June 2026)
JAMB issued 2026 NCE and ND registration guidance stating that, from the 2026/2027 session, there would be no admission into 100 Level or 200 Level degree programmes in Colleges of Education. The guidance directs entrants into Colleges of Education through the NCE route and sets options for affected UTME and Direct Entry candidates.
JAMB issued 2026 NCE and ND registration guidance stating that, from the 2026/2027 session, there would be no admission into 100 Level or 200 Level degree programmes in Colleges of Education. The guidance directs entrants into Colleges of Education through the NCE route and sets options for affected UTME and Direct Entry candidates.
What Changed?
The admission route for Colleges of Education was changed for the 2026/2027 session. Candidates seeking Colleges of Education are to be processed through NCE, while affiliated degree admissions through Colleges of Education are no longer to be used for new 100 Level or 200 Level admissions from that session.
Old System vs New System
Some Colleges of Education admitted candidates into affiliated degree programmes at 100 Level or 200 Level, while candidates could also pursue NCE routes through separate processing.
From the 2026/2027 session, entrants into Colleges of Education are processed through NCE. Affected Direct Entry and UTME candidates receive options such as institution changes, transfer to the parent university where applicable, or default routes described in the JAMB guidance.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Candidates applying to Colleges of Education must review their admission route and may need to change institution, accept NCE processing, or follow JAMB transfer instructions.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should check whether a child’s chosen College of Education programme is an NCE route or an affected affiliated degree route before paying fees or making admission plans.
School / Institution Impact
Colleges of Education and affiliated institutions must update admissions processing, candidate counselling, and transfer handling in line with JAMB’s 2026/2027 guidance.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teacher-training institutions may see a stronger focus on NCE admission pathways, affecting how future teacher trainees enter Colleges of Education.
Key Dates
- 2026-06-22: JAMB registration guidance published
- 2026/2027 session: admission route rule applies.
What To Do
- Candidates should read the JAMB guidance before changing institution or accepting an admission route. Colleges of Education should update admissions desks and candidate notices to reflect the NCE route requirement.
What To Watch Next
Watch for further JAMB admission portal instructions, affected institution lists, transfer deadlines, and guidance from Colleges of Education and parent universities.
Global Context
The change affects teacher education pathways and tertiary admission design in Nigeria, especially where Colleges of Education previously hosted affiliated degree admissions.
Source Record
Source type: Guidance
Source name: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board