New Coverage Reshapes Instructor Training Pathway in Nigeria
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced the top of admissions into diploma programmes run by Faculties of Training by means of affiliations with universities.
The choice was unveiled in the course of the 2026 Coverage Assembly on Admissions held in Abuja. It kinds a part of wider reforms aimed toward strengthening instructor schooling and repositioning the Nationwide Certificates in Training (NCE) as the first route for coaching lecturers in Nigeria.
For a few years, Faculties of Training partnered with universities to supply bachelor’s diploma programmes. Beneath the association, college students studied within the schools however graduated with levels awarded by affiliated universities.
Nonetheless, that pathway is now being phased out. Starting with the 2026/2027 tutorial session, contemporary admissions into such affiliated diploma programmes will not be allowed.
The event follows a Federal Authorities directive designed to refocus Faculties of Training on their core mandate of manufacturing certified lecturers by means of NCE programmes.
All Admissions to Faculties of Training Now By means of NCE
JAMB’s new tips make it clear that Faculties of Training will admit candidates by means of the NCE route. In keeping with the Board, “with impact from 2026/7 Session, no admission into 100 or 200 Stage is allowed into any School of Training. All entrants are by means of NCE.”
The coverage marks a major shift in Nigeria’s tertiary schooling system. It additionally reinforces the NCE as the inspiration qualification for instructor coaching.
Training specialists imagine the transfer might enhance regulatory readability. It might additionally assist standardise instructor preparation throughout the nation.
In the meantime, college students already enrolled in affiliated diploma programmes are anticipated to proceed their research underneath current preparations. The brand new coverage applies primarily to contemporary admissions.
UTME No Longer Required for NCE Candidates
The announcement comes shortly after one other main reform affecting Faculties of Training. Earlier, the Federal Authorities exempted certified NCE candidates from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Minister of Training, Tunji Alausa, had stated, “Candidates searching for admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimal of 4 credit score passes, will not be required to sit down for the UTME.”
The coverage is predicted to scale back admission obstacles for potential lecturers. It is usually meant to make instructor schooling extra engaging to younger Nigerians.
JAMB Registration Nonetheless Obligatory
Though UTME is not obligatory for NCE candidates, JAMB registration stays a requirement. The minister careworn that candidates should nonetheless be captured inside the nationwide admission system.
He added that their credentials can be “screened, verified, and licensed” earlier than admission letters are issued by means of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
Authorities Targets Wider Entry and Higher Instructor Provide
Moreover, the Federal Authorities says the reforms are designed to broaden entry to larger schooling with out reducing requirements. Alausa defined that the brand new method would “ease the stress related to UTME” and encourage extra college students to pursue instructor schooling, which he described as crucial to nationwide improvement. Nigeria has lengthy confronted considerations about instructor shortages and the standard of instructor preparation.
Consequently, policymakers hope the reforms will entice extra candidates into the occupation whereas strengthening the nation’s schooling workforce.
As implementation begins, schooling stakeholders will carefully monitor the affect on admissions, enrolment figures, and the longer term function of Faculties of Training nationwide.
Â