List of Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria in 2026

Federal Colleges of Education are public teacher-training institutions owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

They primarily train students for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), although several now also offer degree programmes through university affiliations or expanded mandates.

If you search online for the list of Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria, you may notice different numbers.

One reason is that some older Federal Colleges of Education have recently been upgraded to Federal Universities of Education, while several newer colleges have also been established.

This guide uses the current National Commission for Colleges of Education database, TETFund records and current institutional information to provide an updated 2026 list.

List of Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria

The NCCE's current accredited-institutions database lists most of these institutions as Federal Colleges of Education, while TETFund's beneficiary database also identifies federal colleges such as Iwo, Jama'are, Gidan Madi and others established more recently.

Because government databases are updated at different times, you may occasionally see slightly different naming conventions.

For example, one source may use Federal College of Education, Sokoto, while another identifies the institution more specifically as Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi.

1. Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo

Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo is one of Nigeria's most distinctive teacher-training institutions.

Its major strength is Special Needs Education.

The college trains teachers and professionals who may work with learners with disabilities, gifted learners and students requiring specialised educational support.

It also runs NCE and degree programmes.

If your interest is Special Education, FCE Special Oyo is one of the first federal colleges you should investigate.

2. Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka

FCET Akoka is located in Lagos State.

As the name suggests, it places strong emphasis on technical and vocational teacher education.

It is particularly relevant to students interested in areas such as:

Technical Education, Business Education, Science Education and vocational subjects.

Its Lagos location can also provide access to industries and other training opportunities.

3. Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba

This institution is located in Asaba, Delta State.

It is one of the Federal Colleges of Education specifically established to develop technical and vocational teachers.

The college remains listed among federal teacher-training institutions in current government education records.

4. Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi

FCET Bichi is located in Kano State.

It is an important option for students in Northern Nigeria interested in technical and vocational education.

The current NCCE accredited-colleges database lists FCET Bichi as a Federal College of Education in Kano State.

5. Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe

FCET Gombe is another federally owned institution specialising in technical teacher training.

It is located in Gombe State and is recognised in both NCCE and TETFund records.

6. Federal College of Education (Technical), Gusau

Located in Zamfara State, FCET Gusau offers another teacher-training option for students in the North-West.

It is listed by NCCE as an active Federal College of Education.

7. Federal College of Education (Technical), Isu

FCE Technical Isu is located in Ebonyi State.

It is one of the newer federal teacher-training institutions and provides another federal NCE option for students in the South-East.

8. Federal College of Education (Technical), Keana

This Federal College of Education is located in Keana, Nasarawa State.

It is listed by the NCCE as a Federal College of Education specialising in technical teacher training.

9. Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku

FCET Omoku is located in Rivers State.

The college provides technical and vocational teacher education and is also included among institutions with approved university degree affiliations.

10. Federal College of Education (Technical), Potiskum

Located in Yobe State, FCET Potiskum is one of the long-established technical Colleges of Education in Northern Nigeria.

It also appears among institutions with approved university affiliations.

11. Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze

FCET Umunze is located in Anambra State.

It offers programmes in areas including Agricultural Education, Business Education, Computer Education, Home Economics and Industrial Technical Education.

It also runs degree pathways, making it useful for students who want to progress beyond the NCE.

12. Federal College of Education (Technical), Yauri

This college is located in Kebbi State.

The current NCCE database identifies it as a Federal College of Education specialising in technical education.

13. Federal College of Education, Abeokuta

FCE Abeokuta is located in Osiele, Ogun State.

It is one of Nigeria's established federal teacher-training institutions and remains listed by the NCCE as an active Federal College of Education.

14. Federal College of Education, Bauchi

Federal College of Education Bauchi provides another federal NCE route for students in the North-East.

It is listed as a Federal College of Education in the current NCCE database.

15. Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu

FCE Eha-Amufu is located in Enugu State.

It offers NCE programmes across subject combinations involving Arts, Languages, Sciences, Social Sciences and Education.

The institution is also listed among colleges with university affiliation arrangements.

16. Federal College of Education, Edo

Current government databases use slightly different names for this institution, including references to Federal College of Education, Edo and Federal College of Education (Technical), Ekiadolor.

TETFund identifies the institution as a federal beneficiary in Edo State.

Students should use the institution's latest admission notice when confirming its official current name.

17. Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi

FCE Gidan Madi is located in Sokoto State.

Some older sources simply call it Federal College of Education, Sokoto.

TETFund currently lists Federal College of Education, Gidan Madi as a federal institution in Sokoto State.

18. Federal College of Education, Gwoza

FCE Gwoza is located in Borno State.

It is one of the newer colleges appearing in the NCCE accredited-institution database.

19. Federal College of Education, Ididep

Federal College of Education Ididep is located in Akwa Ibom State.

The NCCE currently lists it as an active Federal College of Education.

20. Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti

This institution is located in Ekiti State.

It is another of the newer Federal Colleges of Education included in the current NCCE database.

21. Federal College of Education, Iwo

Federal College of Education Iwo is located in Osun State.

It is particularly important because it is one of six new Federal Colleges of Education established by the Federal Government in 2019, with one institution created for each geopolitical zone.

FCE Iwo represents the South-West.

The college began operations after principal officers were appointed and continues to operate as an active Federal College of Education in 2026.

22. Federal College of Education, Jama'are

FCE Jama'are is located in Bauchi State and represents the North-East among the group of newer Federal Colleges of Education established in 2019.

The institution states that operational approval was given in 2022 and that its first intake included about 350 students.

It continues to offer NCE programmes and was advertising admissions in 2025.

23. Federal College of Education, Katsina

FCE Katsina is one of the established federal teacher-training institutions in North-West Nigeria.

The NCCE currently lists the institution as a Federal College of Education in Katsina State.

24. Federal College of Education, Obudu

FCE Obudu is located in Cross River State.

It is a recognised federal teacher-training institution serving students particularly within the South-South region.

25. Federal College of Education, Odugbo

Federal College of Education Odugbo is located in Benue State.

It appears in the current NCCE database as a Federal College of Education.

26. Federal College of Education, Ofeme-Ohuhu

FCE Ofeme-Ohuhu is located in Abia State.

It is another newer federal teacher-training institution listed by the NCCE.

27. Federal College of Education, Okene

FCE Okene is located in Kogi State.

It is one of the country's established Federal Colleges of Education and also appears among colleges with approved university affiliation arrangements.

28. Federal College of Education, Yola

FCE Yola is located in Adamawa State.

It remains recognised as a College of Education and is listed in the current NCCE database.

29. Nigerian Army College of Education, Ilorin

The Nigerian Army College of Education is located in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Although its name does not begin with "Federal College of Education," the current NCCE database classifies the Nigerian Army College of Education as federally owned.

What Happened to Federal College of Education, Zaria?

This is where many old lists become inaccurate.

Federal College of Education Zaria has transitioned to Federal University of Education, Zaria.

The institution's official history says it formally assumed university status following the restoration of its upgrade, and its current website operates as Federal University of Education, Zaria.

The National Universities Commission also lists Federal University of Education, Zaria among Nigeria's federal universities.

So we have not counted it as a current Federal College of Education in this article.

Is Federal College of Education Kano Still a College?

Not in the traditional sense.

The former Federal College of Education Kano now operates as Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

The institution has a Vice-Chancellor, university faculties and university degree admissions, including an active 2026/2027 Bachelor's degree application.

NUC also lists Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education among federal universities.

Older databases may still show the FCE Kano name.

What Happened to FCE Pankshin?

Federal College of Education Pankshin was upgraded to Federal University of Education, Pankshin.

Its official history states that the Federal Government upgraded it to university status in 2023.

It should therefore no longer be treated as an ordinary Federal College of Education when making a current 2026 list.

What Happened to FCE Kontagora?

Federal College of Education Kontagora has also transitioned to Federal University of Education, Kontagora.

The university's official history explains that it previously operated as Federal College of Education Kontagora before its upgrade.

Some college systems and NCE records may remain during the transition, which explains why the old name can still appear in some databases.

What About Adeyemi and Alvan Ikoku?

These are two other institutions commonly found in old lists of Federal Colleges of Education.

Adeyemi now operates as Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo and is admitting university degree students for the 2026/2027 session.

Alvan Ikoku now operates as Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri. Its official website shows university faculties, undergraduate programmes and a Vice-Chancellor.

Therefore, neither is included as a normal Federal College of Education in our 2026 list.

What Qualification Do Federal Colleges of Education Award?

The main qualification is the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

The NCE traditionally takes about three academic years for full-time students.

Many colleges now also provide routes to Bachelor's degrees through university affiliations or expanded degree mandates.

Students who complete an NCE may also apply for Direct Entry into a relevant university programme, subject to the university's requirements.

Who Regulates Federal Colleges of Education?

The main regulatory body is the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The NCCE maintains a database of accredited Colleges of Education, including federal, state and private institutions.

Before applying, confirm that the institution and the programme you want are recognised.

Are Federal Colleges of Education the Same as Federal Universities of Education?

No.

A Federal College of Education primarily operates within the NCE teacher-training system.

A Federal University of Education operates as a university and awards Bachelor's degrees such as B.Ed, B.Sc.Ed and B.A.Ed, alongside other university qualifications.

Recent upgrades mean students need to check the current status of an institution rather than relying on an old list.

Which Federal College of Education Is the Best?

There is no official government ranking declaring one Federal College of Education the best.

For a comparison based on specialisation, reputation, programme range and current status, see:

[Internal link: Top 10 Best Colleges of Education in Nigeria in 2026]

For example, Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo stands out for Special Needs Education, while institutions such as FCET Akoka, FCET Umunze and FCET Bichi are strong options for technical teacher training.

Conclusion

Nigeria has Federal Colleges of Education across the country's geopolitical zones, covering general teacher education, technical education and specialised fields.

The important thing is to use an updated list.

Old articles may still include Adeyemi, Alvan Ikoku, FCE Zaria, FCE Pankshin, FCE Kano and FCE Kontagora as ordinary Federal Colleges of Education, even though these institutions have moved into university status.

Before applying, verify the institution through the National Commission for Colleges of Education and check the school's current admission portal.

FAQs

How many Federal Colleges of Education are there in Nigeria?

The exact figure can differ between databases because new colleges have been established and several older colleges have recently been upgraded to Universities of Education. This guide lists the institutions we could verify as continuing Federal Colleges of Education in 2026 while separating known university upgrades.

Is FCE Zaria still a College of Education?

It now operates as Federal University of Education, Zaria.

Is FCE Kano still a College of Education?

The institution now operates as Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education, Kano.

Is FCE Pankshin still a College of Education?

It has been upgraded to Federal University of Education, Pankshin.

Is Adeyemi College of Education now a university?

Yes. It now operates as Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo.

What does NCE mean?

NCE means Nigeria Certificate in Education.

How many years does NCE take?

A regular full-time NCE programme usually takes about three academic years.

Can an NCE holder enter university?

Yes. NCE holders may apply through Direct Entry into relevant university programmes if they satisfy the institution's requirements.

Which body regulates Colleges of Education in Nigeria?

The National Commission for Colleges of Education regulates and accredits NCE-awarding Colleges of Education.