BREAKING: FG approves direct admission into NCE programmes with O’Level credits

The Federal Government has approved direct admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in Colleges of Education across the country using only O’Level credits, removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for applicants.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the development on Monday during the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting held in Abuja.

Under the new admission arrangement, candidates seeking admission into NCE programmes will only be required to possess a minimum of four O’Level credits in relevant subjects to qualify for entry.

According to the minister, the new policy was introduced to reduce the administrative burden on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

The Federal Government said the measure is also expected to simplify admission into colleges of education and encourage more candidates to enrol in teacher education programmes nationwide.