The Federal Government has officially greenlit a restructured academic framework for Colleges of Education, debuting a synchronized five-year pathway that merges the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) with a bachelor’s degree.
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) confirmed the overhaul following ministerial directives aimed at reforming the “Dual Mandate” system and establishing a “Continuous Five-Year NCE-degree model.”
Per the directive dated 5 May 2026, institutions currently operating the traditional four-year dual mandate degree programs must cease new admissions into that specific format.
The government expects the new integrated structure to be fully operational by the start of the 2026/2027 academic session.
The revised curriculum divides the educational journey into two distinct phases:
- Initial Phase: Students undergo a three-year NCE program.
Final Phase: Graduates who meet the necessary academic benchmarks will transition immediately into a two-year degree program at the same college, joining at the 300 level.
The primary goal of this reform is to create a seamless, unified progression for educators, ensuring that the NCE remains the foundational benchmark for teaching while simplifying the route to a full degree within the same environment.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is currently leading the rollout of this policy, which is set to fundamentally change the landscape of teacher training across Nigeria. To ensure a hitch-free transition, the NCCE stated that it will closely monitor institutions for compliance and effective implementation.
