Updated on 6 November 2026 · How we verify
Quick answer: From the 2026/2027 session, candidates with at least four O’Level credits no longer need to sit UTME for NCE admission. You still register with JAMB (₦3,500 + ₦700 centre fee; 2026 UTME candidates who chose a college of education migrate for ₦700) so your admission is processed on CAPS. From 2026/2027, colleges of education no longer admit into affiliated degree or 100/200-level programmes; NCE is the only entry route (universities of education are the exception).
Last updated: November 2026 · Academic session: 2026/2027 · UTME year: 2026
NCE admission without UTME: how it works
- Confirm you have at least four O’Level credits (the JAMB waiver threshold); many colleges still apply the NCCE standard of five credits including English and Mathematics.
- Register with JAMB for NCE (₦3,500 + ₦700) at a college registration centre, JAMB office or CBT centre. 2026 UTME candidates who chose a college of education convert by paying ₦700.
- Apply to the college and attend its screening/credential verification.
- Accept the offer on CAPS — colleges of education have until 31 December 2026 to upload 2026/2027 admissions.
Degree programmes in colleges of education
18 pilot federal colleges of education run a ‘dual mandate’ (NCE plus B.Ed) from 2025/2026 under the Federal Colleges of Education Act 2023; degree streams admit through JAMB at the university minimum. From 2026/2027, colleges of education no longer admit into affiliated degree or 100/200-level programmes; NCE is the only entry route (universities of education are the exception). Several former federal colleges have become universities of education (Zaria, Ondo/Adeyemi, Kano, Akoka pending) and admit degree students through UTME at the university minimum of 150.
Requirements summary
| Programme | O'Level | UTME |
|---|---|---|
| NCE (3 years) | At least four o’level credits in not more than two sittings for the utme waiver (jamb, may 2026); the ncce standard is five credits including english language and mathematics with two in your teaching subjects — many colleges still apply the ncce standard | No UTME; JAMB registration required |
| B.Ed at dual-mandate / university of education | Five credits incl. English & Mathematics | UTME minimum 150 |
| Pre-NCE | Below NCE requirement | Direct with the college |
Colleges of education on JAMB Admission
- FCEZ Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- KSCE Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- FCEK Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- FCEO Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- FCEP Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- KSCE Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- AKSCOE Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- FCEA Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- SACE Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- CEA Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- FCEE Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
- FCEY Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027
Related JAMB guides
- JAMB Cut-Off Marks 2026/2027: Universities, Polytechnics, Nursing Colleges & Colleges of Education
- JAMB Registration 2027: Expected Dates, Fee, Requirements & Step-by-Step Guide
- JAMB CAPS 2026/2027: How to Check Admission Status, Accept or Reject Admission
- School Fees in Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics & Colleges 2026/2027: What You Will Pay
Frequently asked questions
Do I need JAMB for NCE in 2026/2027?
You do not need to sit UTME, but you must register with JAMB so your admission is processed on CAPS.
What is the cut-off mark for colleges of education?
No UTME cut-off applies to NCE from 2026/2027; degree streams use the university minimum of 150.
Can I still do a degree in a college of education?
Only at the dual-mandate pilot colleges or universities of education; affiliated degree programmes ended from 2026/2027.
How many credits for NCE?
Four for the JAMB waiver; most colleges still require five including English and Mathematics.
Spotted a change JAMB has announced that is not reflected here? Drop a comment — this guide is reviewed after every JAMB announcement.