The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has confirmed the implementation of a new academic structure for Colleges of Education across Nigeria following fresh ministerial directives on the Dual Mandate and Continuous Five-Year NCE Degree Programme.
The new policy will replace the current structure that combines a three-year Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme with a separate four-year degree programme.
According to the directives issued on May 5, 2026, all Colleges of Education currently running the Dual Mandate four-year degree programme are expected to discontinue admissions into that structure and fully adopt the new system from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Under the revised arrangement, students will first complete a three-year NCE programme before proceeding to an additional two-year degree programme.
The policy creates a “3+2” academic pathway designed to make the transition from NCE to degree level smoother and more coordinated within the same institution.
This means that students who successfully complete their NCE programme will now have the opportunity to move directly into 300 Level for their degree studies without the need for a completely separate admission process.
Education authorities believe the initiative will strengthen the relevance and value of the NCE qualification, which remains the minimum teaching standard in Nigeria.
At the same time, the policy is expected to provide a clearer and more seamless route for students seeking to obtain bachelor’s degree certification through Colleges of Education.
The development has already generated positive reactions from many stakeholders in the education sector, with several observers praising the Federal Government and the NCCE for introducing what they described as a practical and progressive reform.
Supporters of the initiative say the new structure could help improve teacher training standards and place graduates of Colleges of Education on a more competitive footing alongside their counterparts from universities.
