Colleges of education in Nigeria offer the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) through federal, state and private institutions. The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) regulates these institutions and maintains a directory of accredited colleges.
List of Colleges of Education in Nigeria
The NCCE classifies colleges according to ownership and institution type. Federal colleges belong to the Federal Government, state colleges belong to state governments, while private colleges operate under private ownership. The commission also lists polytechnics offering NCE separately.
Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria
| Federal College of Education | State |
| Adeyemi College of Education | Ondo |
| Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education | Imo |
| Federal College of Education, Abeokuta | Ogun |
| Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu | Enugu |
| Federal College of Education, Kano | Kano |
| Federal College of Education, Okene | Kogi |
| Federal College of Education, Pankshin | Plateau |
| Federal College of Education, Yola | Adamawa |
| Federal College of Education, Zaria | Kaduna |
| Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo | Oyo |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka | Lagos |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba | Delta |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe | Gombe |
| Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum | Yobe |
State Colleges of Education in Nigeria
| State College of Education | State |
| Adamawa State College of Education, Hong | Adamawa |
| Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu | Kebbi |
| College of Education, Gindiri | Plateau |
| College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti | Ekiti |
| College of Education, Ilorin | Kwara |
| College of Education, Oju | Benue |
| College of Education, Oro | Kwara |
| College of Education, Warri | Delta |
| Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo | Ebonyi |
| FCT College of Education, Zuba | FCT |
| Gombe State College of Education, Nafada | Gombe |
| Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-Ma | Katsina |
| Tai Solarin College of Education | Ogun |
Private Colleges of Education in Nigeria
| Private College of Education | State |
| African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education | Enugu |
| Ansar-Ud-Deen College of Education, Isolo | Lagos |
| City College of Education | FCT |
| Delar College of Education | Oyo |
| Diamond College of Education | Abia |
| ECWA College of Education | Kwara |
| Havard Wilson College of Education | Abia |
| Kinsey College of Education | Kwara |
| Peaceland College of Education | Enugu |
| Peter Oyeleye Fasua College of Education | Ondo |
| Piaget College of Education | Ogun |
| Yewa Central College of Education | Ogun |
The NCCE directory contains the wider list of institutions and allows searches by state and ownership.
Best Colleges of Education in Nigeria
There is no official NCCE ranking that places all colleges of education from first to last.
Students commonly search for institutions such as:
- Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
- Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Imo
- Federal College of Education, Kano
- Federal College of Education, Zaria
- Federal College of Education, Yola
- Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
- Federal College of Education, Pankshin
- Tai Solarin College of Education, Ogun
- College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti
- FCT College of Education, Zuba
Students can compare the institutions by course availability, fees, location, admission requirements and accreditation.
Courses Offered by Colleges of Education in Nigeria
Colleges of education offer NCE programmes in education, sciences, arts, social sciences, vocational fields, languages and special education. Course availability differs between institutions.
Common courses include:
- English Education
- Mathematics Education
- Biology Education
- Chemistry Education
- Physics Education
- Agricultural Education
- Economics Education
- Geography Education
- Social Studies Education
- Political Science Education
- Computer Education
- Business Education
- Technical Education
- Home Economics Education
- Primary Education Studies
- Early Childhood Care Education
- Special Education
- Physical and Health Education
- Christian Religious Studies
- Islamic Religious Studies
Applicants should check the approved subject combinations at their chosen institution before applying.
Colleges of Education Admission Requirements in Nigeria
Candidates seeking NCE admission need at least five credit passes in relevant subjects from WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, GCE or an accepted equivalent. Candidates can use results from a maximum of two sittings.
English Language and Mathematics form part of the general requirements, while each course has additional relevant subjects.
Candidates must also register with JAMB and meet the requirements of their chosen institution. The NCCE sets 16 years as the minimum age for NCE admission.
How Long Is NCE in Nigeria?
A standard NCE programme takes three years.
Students complete the required courses and practical teaching components before receiving the certificate.
Do These Colleges Require JAMB?
Candidates seeking regular NCE admission must register with JAMB and meet the applicable admission requirements. The institution then follows its approved admission process.
How to Check Accredited Colleges of Education
The NCCE maintains an online directory of accredited colleges of education and other NCE-awarding institutions. Users can search the directory by institution type and state.
Students should check the directory before applying to confirm the institution’s current status.
FAQs
How many colleges of education are in Nigeria?
The figure depends on which NCE-awarding institutions a list includes. The NCCE separates colleges of education from polytechnics offering NCE and other NCE-awarding institutions in its directory.
What is the NCE?
The Nigeria Certificate in Education is the qualification awarded after completing an approved NCE programme.
Can I use two WAEC sittings for NCE admission?
Yes. Candidates can meet the five-credit requirement with results from a maximum of two sittings.
What is the minimum age for college of education admission?
The NCCE lists 16 years as the minimum age for NCE admission.
Are there private colleges of education in Nigeria?
Yes. The NCCE directory lists private colleges across several states.
Can an NCE holder go to university?
NCE holders can apply through approved university admission routes when they meet the requirements of the university and chosen programme.
Which body regulates colleges of education in Nigeria?
The National Commission for Colleges of Education regulates colleges of education and maintains the accredited institutions directory.
