Colleges of Education in Nigeria are specialized tertiary institutions dedicated to training qualified teachers for primary and secondary schools. These institutions award the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), which is the minimum qualification required to teach in Nigerian schools.
Education is immensely valued in Nigeria as it has the power to pave the way for progress and development. Acknowledging this, we recognize an essential pillar within our education system – the colleges of education. Serving as a launchpad for aspiring educators, these institutions play a vital role in shaping future generations.
Are you a high school or undergraduate student looking for the college of education in Nigeria?
This article delves into a comprehensive list of these pivotal establishments where the mission to enlighten begins. It aims to guide you through the diverse colleges of education in Nigeria, their strategic locations, and unique attributes. As you explore further, you’ll gain insights into the vital role these institutions perform in molding Nigeria’s educational system.
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Importance of attending Colleges of Education in Nigeria
Education serves as the backbone of any evolving society, pioneering change and stimulating socioeconomic development. This role is particularly significant in Nigeria, a country embracing growth through knowledge dissemination, primarily led by institutions like the colleges of education in Nigeria.
Furthermore, colleges of education in Nigeria play a crucial role in this transformative process. Tasked with training the educators of tomorrow, these colleges ensure that quality education, a prerequisite for national development, is delivered accurately. They mold prospective teachers with values, teaching methodologies, and the art of imparting knowledge effectively.
I have met many people who claim that all universities are the same and that attending the best universities in Nigeria is synonymous with wasting money.
This is not true; the following are benefits of attending the best colleges of education in Nigeria.
Why Choose a College of Education in Nigeria?
1. Guaranteed Employment Opportunities
Nigeria faces a critical teacher shortage with over 400,000 vacant teaching positions across public schools. NCE graduates have excellent job prospects in:
- Public primary and secondary schools
- Private educational institutions
- Adult education centers
- Educational consultancy firms
2. Affordable Quality Education
Federal colleges charge approximately ₦45,000-₦65,000 annually, significantly lower than university fees. State colleges range from ₦35,000-₦80,000 per year.
3. Professional Development Pathways
NCE graduates can pursue:
- Bachelor’s degrees in education (direct entry)
- Master’s in education programs
- Educational administration certifications
- Specialized teaching endorsements
4. Social Impact Career
Teaching offers the opportunity to shape future generations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Below we have listed of all the certified colleges of education in Nigeria. The list have colleges of education students can choose to attend in Nigeria, including Federal, State and Private and the year each was established.
Complete List of Colleges of Education in Nigeria 2025
Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria
| S.No | College Name | State | Established | Specializations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Federal College of Education, Kano | Kano | 1962 | General Education, Islamic Studies |
| 2 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba | Delta | 1984 | Technical Education, Vocational Training |
| 3 | Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo | Oyo | 1974 | Special Needs Education |
| 4 | Federal College of Education, Abeokuta | Ogun | 1976 | General Education, Sciences |
| 5 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe | Gombe | 1986 | Technical/Vocational Education |
| 6 | Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu | Enugu | 1975 | General Education |
| 7 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku | Rivers | 1987 | Technical Education |
| 8 | Federal College of Education, Kontagora | Niger | 1978 | General Education |
| 9 | Federal College of Education, Okene | Kogi | 1977 | General Education |
| 10 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum | Yobe | 1988 | Technical Education |
| 11 | Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri | Imo | 1963 | General Education, Languages |
| 12 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi | Kano | 1989 | Agricultural Education |
| 13 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau | Zamfara | 1990 | Technical Education |
| 14 | Federal College of Education, Katsina | Katsina | 1979 | General Education |
| 15 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka | Lagos | 1981 | Technical Education |
| 16 | Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo | Ondo | 1963 | General Education, Sciences |
| 17 | Federal College of Education, Obudu | Cross River | 1980 | General Education |
| 18 | Federal College of Education, Zaria | Kaduna | 1962 | General Education, Islamic Studies |
| 19 | Federal College of Education, Yola | Adamawa | 1970 | General Education |
| 20 | Federal College of Education, Pankshin | Plateau | 1976 | General Education |
| 21 | Nigerian Army School of Education, Ilorin | Kwara | 1977 | Military Education |
| 22 | Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze | Anambra | 1992 | Technical Education |
State Colleges of Education in Nigeria
| S.No | College Name | State | Type | Notable Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College of Education | Ekiti | State | General Education |
| 2 | Adamawa State College of Education | Adamawa | State | General Education |
| 3 | Ebonyi State College of Education | Ebonyi | State | General Education |
| 4 | Tai Solarin College of Education | Ogun | State | Science Education |
| 5 | FCT College of Education | FCT | State | General Education |
| 6 | College of Education | Delta | State | General Education |
| 7 | College of Education | Plateau | State | General Education |
| 8 | Osisatech College of Education | Enugu | State | Technology Education |
| 9 | College of Education, Ekiadolor | Edo | State | General Education |
| 10 | Kaduna State College of Education | Kaduna | State | General Education |
| 11 | Isa Kaita College of Education | Katsina | State | General Education |
| 12 | College of Education | Yobe | State | General Education |
| 13 | Kwara State College of Education | Kwara | State | General Education |
| 14 | Osun State College of Education | Osun | State | General Education |
| 15 | Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education | Kano | State | General Education |
| 16 | College of Education (Technical) | Kwara | State | Technical Education |
| 17 | College of Education, Katsina | Benue | State | General Education |
| 18 | Kwara State College of Education | Kwara | State | General Education |
| 19 | Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education | Lagos | State | General Education |
| 20 | College of Education | Borno | State | General Education |
| 21 | Emmanuel Alayande College of Education | Oyo | State | General Education |
| 22 | Nwafor Orizu College of Education | Anambra | State | General Education |
| 23 | Delta State College of Education | Delta | State | General Education |
| 24 | Adamu Augie College of Education | Kebbi | State | General Education |
| 25 | College of Education | Bauchi | State | General Education |
| 26 | Kogi State College of Education | Kogi | State | General Education |
| 27 | Akwa Ibom State College of Education | Akwa Ibom | State | General Education |
| 28 | Jigawa State College of Education | Jigawa | State | General Education |
Private Colleges of Education in Nigeria
| S.No | College Name | State | Established | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delar College of Education | Oyo | 1995 | Small class sizes, modern facilities |
| 2 | Institute of Ecumenical Education | Enugu | 1987 | Religious education focus |
| 3 | City College of Education, Mararaba | Nasarawa | 1998 | Urban location, flexible schedules |
Step-by-Step Admission Process 2025
1. JAMB Registration
2. Take JAMB UTME
3. Check JAMB Results
4. Post-UTME Screening
5. Admission List Release
6. Acceptance and Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best college of education in Nigeria?
Some of the most reputable include Adeyemi College of Education (Ondo), Alvan Ikoku College of Education (Owerri), and Federal College of Education (Zaria).
2. Can I use a college of education certificate to enter university?
Yes — many graduates use their NCE (Nigeria Certificate in Education) to apply for direct entry into universities.
3. Who accredits colleges of education in Nigeria?
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is responsible for accreditation.
4. How do I apply to a college of education?
You can apply through JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) or via each college’s official admission portal.
Important Deadlines for 2025/2026 Session
JAMB Registration: February 1 – March 31, 2025
UTME Examination: April 15 – May 31, 2025
Post-UTME Screening: July 1 – August 15, 2025
First Admission List: August 30, 2025
Registration Deadline: October 31, 2025
Conclusion
Choosing the right colleges of education in Nigeria is a crucial decision that shapes your teaching career and impact on future generations. With 70 accredited institutions offering diverse programs and opportunities, prospective teachers have excellent options across all states.
Many people are unemployed and have no trace of attending a university because they attend one of the random schools in the country, which has no competent teachers.
Having gone through the list, kindly hear from you in the comment box; which of these universities would you like to attend?
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