Enrolling in a College of Education for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) is a direct path into the teaching profession. The essence of a College of Education is to lay a foundation for teachers or youngsters who are passionate or determined to pursue teaching as a career.
Choosing a College of Education (NCE) is equal to Choosing Teaching. Consider the following;
- NCE is the foundational qualification for teaching in Nigeria. It’s the minimum requirement to teach at the basic education level (primary and junior secondary).
- Colleges of Education are designed for teacher training. Their curriculum focuses on pedagogy, subject content, and classroom practice. So, enrolling in one is a direct commitment to becoming a teacher.
- The NCE is legally recognized. Without it (or a degree in education), you cannot be employed as a professional teacher in most Nigerian schools.
- It takes about 3 years to complete the NCE, and entry typically requires five credits in WAEC, NECO, or equivalent exams.
Can You Switch Careers After an NCE or Education Degree?
Yes – but it requires strategy and effort. Here’s how:
If you attend a university and study a non-education course (e.g., Engineering, Law, Business), you’re not automatically tied to teaching. This path gives you broader career options from the start.
However, if you’ve attended a private college of education, or even a federal college, and want to switch fields, a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in another discipline (e.g., Business Administration, ICT, Public Health) can help you transition.
Business Schools and Specialized Institutions Offer Career Shifts.
Institutions like the foremost Business School in Nigeria – Rome Business School, or the Lagos Business School or Pan-Atlantic University can accept candidates with education backgrounds into specialised Masters or MBA programs, especially if they have relevant work experience.
The programs offered in Business Schools are designed to equip professionals for leadership roles beyond the classroom.
Why Do People Switch Careers?
Career switching is more common than ever, and it’s driven by a mix of personal, professional, and economic factors:
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Better Pay and Benefits
Many professionals change careers to improve their financial situation. Teaching, while noble, often doesn’t offer competitive salaries in Nigeria, prompting many to explore higher-paying fields.
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Lack of Career Growth
If a profession offers limited advancement opportunities, people may feel stuck. In education, promotions can be slow and often tied to government structures, which can be frustrating for ambitious individuals.
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Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Some switch careers to gain more control over their schedules or reduce stress. Fields like tech, consulting, or remote work roles offer more flexibility than traditional classroom teaching.
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Changing Interests or Passions
People evolve. What excited someone at 20 may not fulfill them at 30. Career switching allows individuals to realign their work with their current passions or values.
Recent Developments Yielding More Flexibility in Colleges of Education
As of 2025, Federal Colleges of Education can now award Bachelor’s degrees in Education, not just the NCE. This is part of the Dual Mandate Policy under the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 2023.
This reform aims to improve the quality of teacher training and attract more students into the profession.
In Nigeria, teaching is foundational to national development, yet it remains underfunded and underappreciated.
This disconnect between the profession’s importance and its societal value is a major reason why many trained educators seek alternative careers in:
- NGOs and development work
- Corporate training and HR
- EdTech and curriculum design
- Public policy and advocacy
Choosing a College of Education is a meaningful step toward shaping young minds, but it doesn’t have to define your entire career.
You can pivot into new fields while still honoring the skills and values you gained as an educator through strategic planning, further education, and a willingness to adapt.
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