Top 10 colleges of education in Nigeria that deserve attention
A college of education is a teacher training institution or a professional training college for teachers. Nigeria has 152 educational institutions. These institutions were established to train qualified candidates to become certified teachers and lecturers. If you intend to pursue a course in teaching, then these colleges of education in Nigeria will be ideal for you.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- Top 10 best colleges of education in Nigeria
- 10. Adeyemi College of Education
- 9. Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
- 8. Niger State College of Education, Minna
- 7. College of Education, Warri
- 6. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo
- 5. Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
- 4. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
- 3. FCT College of Education, Zuba
- 2. Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri
- 1. Federal College of Education, Kano
- Top 10 private college of education in Nigeria
- How many colleges of education are there in Nigeria?
- Where is the best college of education in Nigeria?
- What is the qualification for college of education in Nigeria?
- What is the cut-off mark for college of education in Nigeria?
Key takeaways
- Nigeria has some of Africa’s oldest teacher–training institutions, including Emmanuel Alayande College of Education (established in 1896).
- Most top colleges offer multiple pathways, including NCE programmes, Pre-NCE, part-time, and distance learning, giving students flexible options to start or advance their careers in education.
- Accreditation by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is a major quality marker, helping students identify reputable institutions with strong academic standards.
Top 10 best colleges of education in Nigeria
Colleges of education can be ranked among Nigeria's higher educational institutions. The National Commission for Colleges of Education is primarily responsible for overseeing and promoting excellent training for individuals seeking a career in academia. The colleges listed below have met all qualifications and are legally permitted to educate the Nigerian population.
No | College name | Location/Address | Year established |
1 | Federal College of Education, Kano | Panshekara Rd, Kofar Kabuga, Kano | 1965 |
2 | Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri | Orlu Rd, 460281, Owerri, Imo State | 1963 |
3 | FCT College of Education, Zuba | 36M8+W7W, 902101, Ekpa, FCT | 1996 |
4 | Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) | Ijagun Road, 120103, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State | 1978 |
5 | Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo | P.M.B 1089, Oyo, Oyo State | 1977 |
6 | Emmanuel Alayande College of Education | EACOED Cooperative Building, Block F, No. 3, Erelu Campus, Oyo | 1896 |
7 | College of Education, Warri | Housing Complex Road, Edjeba, Warri, Delta State | 1979 |
8 | Niger State College of Education, Minna | Opposite Army Barracks, Paiko Road, Minna | 1975 |
9 | Federal College of Education, Abeokuta | 10, Osiele Face 1 Street, Osiele, Abeokuta | 1976 |
10 | Adeyemi College of Education | Ondo-Ore Road, Ondo | 1963 |
10. Adeyemi College of Education
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Ondo-Ore Road, Ondo
- Contact number: +2348130125529/+2348035841342
- Email: support@aceondo.edu.ng
Adeyemi College of Education was established in 1963 and is affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University, a federal government higher institution. Named after the renowned educationist Canon M.C. Adeyemi, the college was created to produce qualified teachers for secondary schools and teacher-training institutions.
Today, it continues to pursue academic excellence through quality teaching, learning, and research, making it a notable institution often mentioned in the list of federal colleges of education in Nigeria.
Currently, the school is made up of five schools:
- School of Adult, Non-Formal and Special Education
- School of Arts and Social Sciences
- School of Education
- School of Languages
- School of Science
9. Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
Source: UGC
- Physical address: 10, Osiele Face 1 Street, Osiele, 110119, Abeokuta
- Contact number: +234 701 512 9631
- Email: info@fce-abeokuta.edu.ng
Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, is one of the top 30 colleges of education in Nigeria and is a well-known federal institution formerly called the Federal Advanced Teachers College.
Established in 1976 at Osiele, Ogun State, the college offers a wide range of programmes across five schools. It provides both three-year and five-year courses leading to the Nigerian Certificate in Education and maintains degree affiliations with the University of Ibadan, Lagos State University, and PGDE programmes.
8. Niger State College of Education, Minna
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Opposite Army Barracks, Paiko Road Minna, Niger State
- Contact number: +234 803 452 4079
- Email: info@coeminna.edu.ng
Niger State College of Education, Minna, was established in 1975 and became a fully operational training college in 1983 to meet the growing demand for qualified primary and secondary school teachers. The institution offers certificates, diplomas, and degree programmes in education.
Known for its commitment to professional discipline and integrity, Niger State College of Education strives to produce well-trained educators with the knowledge and skills needed for national manpower development. It is one of the institutions commonly featured in the list of federal colleges of education in Nigeria and their courses.
7. College of Education, Warri
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Housing Complex Road, Edjeba, Warri, Delta State
- Contact number: +234 802 399 3627/ +234 803 311 1582/ +234 807 756 1647
- Email: info@coewarri.edu.ng/support@coewarri.edu.ng
College of Education, Warri, is a state college established in 1979. It was founded by the government as an Advanced Teachers' College to solve primary and secondary teacher shortages.
The college has run several programs over the last fifteen years and has seen tremendous physical growth. It currently offers degree programs in teaching and is rapidly expanding its course offerings.
6. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Complex, EACOED Cooperative Building, Block F, No. 3, Erelu campus, Oyo
- Contact number: +234 810 680 5885
- Email: info@eacoed.edu.ng
Emmanuel Alayande College of Education was established in 1896 by the Church Mission Society. Originally founded as a Grade II teacher-training school, it was upgraded to a full college of education in 1985.
The institution offers NCE certificates through its five schools, along with Pre-NCE, NCE, and distance-learning programmes.
It is known for its commitment to producing highly qualified teachers, administrators, supervisors, counsellors, and other education professionals. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education is regarded as one of the top 50 best colleges of education in Nigeria.
5. Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
Source: UGC
- Physical address: P.M.B 1089, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Contact number: +2347034314543
- Email: info@fcesoyo.edu.ng
Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, was established in 1977 as the Federal Advanced Teachers’ College. The institution is widely recognized for having some of the best-qualified staff in the special education system in Africa, making it one of the top 20 colleges of education in Nigeria.
4. Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED)
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Ijagun Road, 120103, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria
- Contact number: +234-9064533162
- Email: registrar@tasued.edu.ng
The Tai Solarin University of Education was established in 1978 as Tai Solarin College of Education. The University was named after human rights activist and educational administrator Augustus Taiwo Solarin.
It was officially approved by the National University Commission (NUC) in November 2005. The NUC Resource Assessment approved establishing some postgraduate and undergraduate programs in 2019.
The vision of TASUED is to be the preferred education university, which will excel in preparing instructors who will be leaders in all spheres of the discipline.
3. FCT College of Education, Zuba
Source: UGC
- Physical address: 36M8+W7W, 902101, Ekpa, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
- Contact number: +234 333 333 3333/+234 222 222 2222
- Email: info@fctcoezuba.edu.ng
The FCT College of Education was established in 1996. It was affiliated with Ahmadu Bello University for degree programmes. The institution, formally known as Teachers College Zuba, was upgraded to train medium-level personnel for teaching in primary and junior secondary schools.
The institute's mission is to train teachers with high morale and academic excellence for primary and secondary schools throughout the country, emphasising sciences, vocational, and technical subjects.
2. Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Orlu Rd, 460281, Owerri, Imo, Nigeria
Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education was established in 1963 as the Advanced Teachers Training College. The institution offers a National Certificate in Education, a Professional Diploma in Education and a Bachelor of Education, affiliated with the University of Nigeria since 1984.
It aims to promote comprehensive personal development through teaching, training, and research, to effect positive social change.
1. Federal College of Education, Kano
Source: UGC
- Physical address: Federal College of Education, Panshekara Rd, Kofar Kabuga 700282, Kano, Nigeria
- Contact number: +234 806 692 6991
The Federal College of Education in Kano was established in 1965 as an advanced Training College in Kano. In 1990, the government took over the college and renamed it the Federal College of Education. The institution offers part-time and full-time studies in various school departments.
Top 10 private college of education in Nigeria
Below is a list of private colleges of education in Nigeria.
No | College | Location |
1 | St. Augustine College of Education | Akoka, Lagos State |
2 | Delar College of Education | Ibadan, Oyo State |
3 | Yewa Central College of Education | Ayetoro, Ogun State |
4 | City College of Education, Mararaba | Mararaba / Gurku, Nasarawa State |
5 | African Thinkers Community of Inquiry College of Education | Enugu, Enugu State |
6 | OSISA Tech College of Education | Enugu, Enugu State |
7 | Muftau Olanihun College of Education | Ibadan, Oyo State |
8 | Havard Wilson College of Education | Aba, Abia State |
9 | Ansar-Ud-Deen College of Education | Isolo, Lagos State |
10 | Institute of Ecumenical Education (Thinkers Corner) | Enugu, Enugu State |
How many colleges of education are there in Nigeria?
Nigeria has over 150 colleges of education, including federal, state, and private institutions accredited by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). These colleges are spread across the country to meet the growing demand for trained teachers.
Where is the best college of education in Nigeria?
Several institutions rank highly, but Emmanuel Alayande College of Education in Oyo, Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo, and Federal College of Education, Zaria, are widely regarded as the best. Their long history, strong academic reputation, and modern teaching facilities set them apart.
What is the qualification for college of education in Nigeria?
To gain admission, candidates typically need at least five credits in SSCE/NECO/NABTEB, including English and Mathematics. Applicants must also meet the required UTME score and sometimes pass the college’s post-UTME screening or interview.
What is the cut-off mark for college of education in Nigeria?
Most colleges of education in Nigeria set a UTME cut-off mark between 100 and 120, depending on the institution. Competitive colleges may require higher scores, especially for popular programmes.
The above list of colleges of education in Nigeria has been accredited by National Commission for College of Education (NCCE). It is advisable to research various institutions before deciding on the best package for you. Find a suitable fit from the given list.
Legit.ng recently published an article about universities in Nigeria that offer courses in international relations. These courses in Nigeria are sometimes referred to as international studies or international affairs.
These courses are mainly offered in the faculties or departments of humanities or social sciences. They train students on matters related to politics and government. Take a look at this post to discover some of the universities in Nigeria that offer programs in international relations.
Source: Legit.ng
Mercy Mbuthia (Lifestyle writer) Mercy Mbuthia is a content writer with five years of experience writing on various topics, including biographies, entertainment, and lifestyle. She joined the Legit team in 2019. Mercy earned a Master of Science (Food, Nutrition & Dietetics) from Dedan Kimathi University in 2022. Her articles have appeared on several media sites such as The Health Channel, The Nation, Tekrati, ValiantCEO and Celebrity Leader. In 2023, Mercy finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: mercymmbuthia18@gmail.com
John Ouma (Lifestyle writer) John Ouma is a journalist with six years of experience. He has published sharply argued think pieces that live at the intersection of power, politics, and society. He was awarded the FirstGen scholarship by Biola University and a merit-based scholarship by AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in January 2021. He has worked for The Standard and Nation Africa as an opinion columnist between 2018 and 2022. He is currently working on his first novel—a literary fiction that traces the life of a contemporary Kenyan artist. Email: gervasjohn97@gmail.com
