AMB Ends Affiliated Degree Programmes in Colleges of Education.
Policy Signals End of Era for University Degrees in Teacher Training Institutions.
ABUJA, Nigeria – The iNews Times | The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) https://www.jamb.gov.ng has ended admissions into affiliated degree programmes offered by Colleges of Education, establishing the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) as the sole entry route into these institutions from the 2026/2027 academic session.
This decisive policy, outlined in JAMB’s newly released NCE/ND Agric Registration Guidelines issued in June 2026, marks a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s teacher education framework. The move is expected to affect thousands of prospective students who had targeted degree programmes through affiliated Colleges of Education.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
For decades, affiliated degree programmes allowed Colleges of Education across Nigeria to partner with conventional universities, enabling students to earn full bachelor’s degrees while studying in these specialised institutions. This arrangement served as an accessible pathway for many aspiring teachers, particularly those in underserved regions, to obtain university qualifications without necessarily attending main university campuses.
The system, however, came under scrutiny over concerns about standards, resource allocation, and the need to strengthen the foundational NCE qualification as the bedrock of teacher training in the country.
Key Developments
Under the new JAMB NCE admission policy, the Board has explicitly declared: “No admission into any affiliated programme in any College of Education from 2026/7 Session.” Direct entry into 100 and 200 levels in Colleges of Education has also been prohibited, with all fresh entrants required to begin through the NCE programme.
JAMB has provided clear transition options for affected candidates. Those who applied via Direct Entry can change institutions at no cost, transfer to the parent university of their affiliated programme, or elevate their second-choice institution. The deadline for such changes was set for June 22, 2026.
For UTME candidates seeking 100-level admission, similar flexibility applies, including the option to migrate to the NCE programme. Candidates opting for NCE will pay a reduced registration fee of ₦700 and must obtain O’Level verification. The Board has introduced mandatory O’Level verification for all NCE applicants at ₦1,500 for one sitting and ₦2,000 for two sittings.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Education stakeholders have welcomed the clarity while expressing concerns about the transition. A senior official at a leading College of Education in the Southwest, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The iNews Times: “This policy strengthens the integrity of teacher education, but we must ensure adequate support systems are in place so that no deserving candidate is left behind during this shift.”
JAMB has urged all Professional Registration Centres, Institutional Professional Registration Centres, accredited CBT centres, and its officials nationwide to study the guidelines and ensure strict compliance.
Implications
The reform carries significant implications for Nigeria’s education sector. By consolidating the NCE as the primary qualification, the policy aims to standardise teacher training, potentially improving the quality of educators entering the nation’s classrooms. Economically, it may redirect resources toward strengthening Colleges of Education’s core NCE mandate rather than stretching them across degree-level affiliations.
Politically and socially, the decision could influence access to higher education in rural and semi-urban areas where Colleges of Education have historically played a vital role.
What Happens Next
As the June 22 deadline for changes passes, attention will shift to how seamlessly candidates migrate to new options. Colleges of Education are expected to ramp up capacity for NCE programmes, while JAMB continues monitoring compliance. The 2026/2027 admission cycle will serve as the first major test of this new framework.
Conclusion
The JAMB decision to end affiliated degree programmes represents more than an administrative change, it is a strategic repositioning of Nigeria’s teacher education architecture. As the country continues to prioritise quality education under various national development agendas, The iNews Times will continue tracking how this bold policy translates into better outcomes for students, institutions, and the teaching profession at large.
