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| JAMB Scraps Affiliated Degree Programmes in Colleges of Education for 2026/2027 Admission |
JAMB affiliated degree programmes have been scrapped from the 2026/2027 session. Learn what this means for candidates, Colleges of Education, and admission options.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a major reform in Nigeria's higher education system by officially ending admissions into JAMB affiliated degree programmes offered through Colleges of Education. The new policy, which takes effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, establishes the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) as the primary admission route into Colleges of Education nationwide.
This development marks a significant shift in teacher education and is expected to impact thousands of admission seekers who planned to pursue degree programmes through affiliated institutions.
What the New JAMB Policy Means
According to the newly released NCE and ND Agric Registration Guidelines issued by JAMB, admissions into all affiliated degree programmes in Colleges of Education have been discontinued.
Under the new directive:
- No new admissions will be granted into affiliated degree programmes from the 2026/2027 academic session.
- Direct admission into 100 Level or 200 Level in Colleges of Education is no longer permitted.
- All fresh entrants into Colleges of Education must enroll through the NCE programme.
The policy effectively ends a long-standing system that allowed Colleges of Education to offer university degree programmes through partnerships with conventional universities.
For official admission updates, candidates can regularly visit the official JAMB portal at and monitor announcements from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Why JAMB Scrapped Affiliated Degree Programmes
The decision is part of broader efforts to strengthen teacher education standards in Nigeria and reinforce the NCE as the foundational qualification for future educators.
For decades, affiliated degree programmes enabled Colleges of Education to award bachelor's degrees through partnerships with universities. However, the new policy places greater emphasis on the NCE pathway, which remains the recognized professional qualification for teaching at the basic education level.
Education stakeholders believe this reform could improve quality assurance, standardization, and academic consistency across teacher-training institutions.
Options Available for Affected Candidates
To minimize disruption for candidates already affected by the removal of JAMB affiliated degree programmes, the Board has provided several alternatives.
Direct Entry Candidates
Candidates who previously selected affiliated degree programmes through Direct Entry may:
- Change their institution at no cost.
- Transfer to the parent university overseeing the affiliated programme.
- Allow their second-choice institution to become their first choice for admission processing.
JAMB also provided a deadline for eligible candidates to complete the transition process.
UTME Candidates
Candidates seeking admission into affiliated Colleges of Education through UTME have three available options:
- Change to another institution.
- Upgrade their second-choice institution to first choice.
- Migrate to the NCE programme within their selected College of Education.
Candidates who choose the NCE option will need to obtain an O'Level verification code from the appropriate examination body and complete the required registration process.
New O'Level Verification Requirements
As part of the revised admission framework, JAMB has introduced mandatory O'Level verification for all NCE applicants.
The verification fees are:
- ₦1,500 for one sitting.
- ₦2,000 for two sittings.
Candidates are advised to complete verification early to avoid delays during admission processing.
Impact on the 2026 Admission Cycle
The removal of JAMB affiliated degree programmes will significantly affect admission planning for many students across Nigeria.
Prospective applicants who initially intended to obtain university degrees through Colleges of Education must now review their admission options carefully. Students interested in degree qualifications may need to apply directly to universities or consider transferring to parent institutions managing the affiliated programmes.
Meanwhile, candidates interested in teaching careers can continue through the NCE route, which remains fully recognized for teacher education.
Important Advice for Candidates
If you are affected by this policy change, consider taking the following steps immediately:
- Verify your admission status on JAMB CAPS.
- Review available institution transfer options.
- Upload all required O'Level credentials.
- Monitor official JAMB announcements regularly.
- Seek clarification only from accredited CBT centres and official admission channels.
CTA: If you are planning to apply for admission in the 2026/2027 academic session, now is the time to review your options and make any necessary changes before admission processing begins.
Conclusion
The decision to discontinue JAMB affiliated degree programmes represents one of the most significant admission reforms in recent years. While the policy may require affected candidates to adjust their plans, it also reinforces the role of the NCE as the standard pathway for teacher education in Nigeria.
Candidates should stay informed, comply with all admission requirements, and take advantage of the alternatives provided by JAMB to ensure a smooth transition into the new admission system.
For the latest admission updates, regularly check official JAMB communications and act promptly on any required institution or programme changes to secure your admission opportunity.
