JUST IN: FG Okays 15 Federal Colleges To Run Degree Programmes

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved the Federal College of Education, Yola, Adamawa State, to run degree programmes under the federal government’s dual mandate policy.

Naija News reports that FCE Yola was one of 15 federal colleges of education granted approval by the Federal Government to run full degree programmes independently, without affiliation to any university.

The Provost of the college, Mohammed Dagereji, disclosed this on Wednesday, December 24, while addressing journalists in Yola, describing the approval as a major milestone in the institution’s history.

Dagareji explained that the approval followed years of preparation and compliance with regulatory requirements set by the NUC.

According to the provost, although the NUC approved 38 degree programmes for the college, FCE Yola would begin with 14 courses in the first phase.

He said, “The college is set to run 14 degree programmes out of the 38 approved by the NUC, without affiliation to any university.”

Dagereji announced that the 2026/2027 academic session would mark the first time the college would admit degree students without affiliation to another university.

He recalled that the institution had been running degree programmes since 2014 in affiliation with the University of Maiduguri.

“This new arrangement means that FCE Yola will now award its own degrees under the dual mandate,” he added.

The provost also appealed to the Federal Government to harmonise the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes, saying both could be structured as a single continuous programme to strengthen teacher education in the country.

Dagereji disclosed that the college is already listed on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board portal, urging prospective candidates to apply accordingly.

He advised candidates wishing to transfer to FCE Yola to visit the college’s portal at

“Accordingly, candidates who wish to apply for FCE Yola degree programmes are advised to strictly choose from the 14 approved courses, and to change their course(s) at any JAMB-accredited centre,” he said.

He warned that, “Applications outside these listed programmes will not be considered at this stage.”

Dagereji expressed optimism that the approval would enhance access to quality teacher education and boost the academic standing of the college.