The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has actually directed all Federal Colleges of Education operating the Dual Required program to stop admissions into their existing four-year degree programs beginning from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The regulation was contained in a circular dated May 5, 2026, and signed by the Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. (Mrs.) Angela Ajala.
According to the circular, the choice followed ministerial instructions on the application of a Continuous Five-Year NCE-Degree Programme aimed at reorganizing instructor education in Nigeria.
The brand-new design will change the existing structure with a three-year Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme followed by a two-year degree program for eligible NCE graduates.
The commission discussed that the brand-new arrangement is developed to enhance the NCE as the foundational and minimum teaching credentials while likewise supplying a smooth pathway for trainees to acquire a Bachelor’s degree within the Colleges of Education system.
“In line with these directives, all Colleges of Education presently operating the Double Required four-year degree program are required to cease admissions into the program with effect from the 2026/2027 academic session,” the circular mentioned.
The NCCE further directed all Colleges of Education to start full application of the Constant Five-Year NCE-Degree Program structure from the 2026/2027 scholastic session.
The commission, however, clarified that trainees already admitted into the existing degree programmes before the new directive would be permitted to finish their studies in line with the approved curriculum under which they were confessed.
It included that detailed implementation guidelines covering admissions, scholastic programs, sensitization, and associated processes would be communicated to organizations in due course.
The circular was resolved to Provosts of Federal Colleges of Education throughout the nation.