The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the discontinuation of admissions into affiliated degree programmes run by Colleges of Education in partnership with universities across the country.
The decision marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s teacher education landscape, as Colleges of Education are now expected to award their own degrees under the dual mandate policy approved by the Federal Government.
JAMB explained that the move is aimed at streamlining admissions processes and strengthening the autonomy of Colleges of Education that have been empowered to offer degree programmes independently.
Under the previous arrangement, Colleges of Education partnered with universities to award bachelor’s degrees to qualified students. However, with the implementation of the dual mandate policy, eligible colleges can now run degree programmes without affiliation to universities.
Education stakeholders believe the development will enhance the status of Colleges of Education, expand access to higher education and improve teacher preparation across the country.
JAMB noted that institutions affected by the policy are expected to align their admission procedures with the new framework and ensure compliance with guidelines issued by relevant regulatory agencies.
The board also assured prospective students that the change would not affect the validity of degrees already obtained through existing affiliation arrangements, while students currently enrolled in such programmes would be allowed to complete their studies.
The development is part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning teacher education and strengthening the capacity of Colleges of Education to meet the growing demand for qualified teachers and education professionals.
Stakeholders have welcomed the policy, describing it as a step towards improving institutional independence and enhancing the quality of teacher education in Nigeria.