Federal government halts all 2026 admissions to NTI’s NCE and degree programmes over regulatory breaches

On November 7, 2026, the Nigerian federal authorities declared the termination of all 2026 entry processes for National Certificate in Education and undergraduate degree courses at the National Teachers’ Institute located in Kaduna. The decision was communicated in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and signed by Boriowo Folasade, the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations. The ministry also ordered NTI to cease all university affiliations and any arrangements that allow it to award university degrees, stating that the institute is not authorised to confer NCE or university qualifications.

According to the statement, the cancellation applies to every mode of study – full‑time, part‑time and Distance Learning Studies (DLS). Applicants, their families, and the wider community were cautioned against submitting applications, accepting offers of entry, or transferring funds related to the suspended courses. The ministry further instructed the National Universities Commission (NUC) to inform any partner universities of the termination of NTI’s degree‑awarding arrangements and to ensure compliance.

Background

The action follows alleged breaches of the Ministerial Operational Guidelines released on 12 September 2025. The ministry said NTI had violated regulations concerning admissions processes, accreditation standards and its university affiliations. Enrollment for the NCE track must satisfy the requirements established by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board as well as the accreditation guidelines issued by the National Commission for Colleges of Education. The announcement further indicated that the NCCE intends to conduct a thorough review of current distance learning modules for NCE Levels II through IV to safeguard the interests of registered students.

Why it matters

The cancellation directly impacts thousands of prospective teachers and degree seekers who had planned to enrol at NTI for the 2026 session. By halting admissions, the government aims to safeguard the integrity of teacher training qualifications and ensure that programmes meet national accreditation standards. The directive also affects universities that previously partnered with NTI for degree‑awarding, as they must now discontinue those arrangements. The ministry’s warning against payments seeks to prevent financial loss for applicants who might otherwise be misled by unauthorised offers.

What happens next

The ministry has tasked the NCCE with a full accreditation review of NTI’s current distance learning NCE programmes to protect existing students. The NUC has been asked to notify all universities involved in NTI affiliations about the termination and to enforce compliance. No further admissions to the NCE or degree programmes will be permitted for the 2026 session, and the institute must cease any degree‑granting activities until further notice.