Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the foundation of a child’s academic journey. As Nigeria continues to focus on improving its education sector, there’s an increasing demand for qualified early childhood educators. If you're passionate about nurturing young minds and are looking to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education, selecting the right college is key to your success.
This blog highlights the best Colleges of Education in Nigeria offering specialized training in Early Childhood Education in 2025. These institutions are NCCE-approved, well-equipped, and highly regarded for producing competent and compassionate teachers.
Top Colleges of Education in Nigeria for Early Childhood Education (2025)
1. Federal College of Education, Zaria (FCE Zaria)
- Location: Zaria, Kaduna State
- Status: Federal
- Highlights:
- Offers NCE in Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE)
- Strong reputation for producing competent educators
- Equipped with ECE demonstration classrooms
- Collaborates with UNICEF and other agencies for childhood development programs
2. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo
- Location: Ondo City, Ondo State
- Status: Federal (now affiliated with Obafemi Awolowo University)
- Highlights:
- Offers both NCE and B.Ed in Early Childhood and Primary Education
- Advanced teaching labs and ECE centers
- Well-structured practicum program
- Renowned for research in early childhood pedagogy
3. Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo
- Location: Oyo Town, Oyo State
- Status: Federal
- Highlights:
- Ideal for those interested in Early Childhood Education for children with special needs
- Inclusive education approach
- Produces well-trained professionals for ECE with disability-inclusion skills
- Fully equipped with a child development lab and special education facilities
4. Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo
- Location: Oyo, Oyo State
- Status: State-owned
- Highlights:
- Strong emphasis on Early Childhood and Care Education
- Produces thousands of qualified ECE teachers annually
- Regularly updated curriculum
- Offers affiliations for B.Ed programs in partnership with universities
5. Federal College of Education, Abeokuta
- Location: Abeokuta, Ogun State
- Status: Federal
- Highlights:
- NCE in Early Childhood Education with practical exposure
- Modern ECE resource centers
- Partnerships with local schools for teaching practice
- Safe learning environment and well-structured timetable
6. Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri
- Location: Owerri, Imo State
- Status: Federal
- Highlights:
- Offers NCE in Early Childhood Education
- Strong alumni network and industry exposure
- Access to high-quality instructional materials
- Highly rated among education training institutions in Southeast Nigeria
7. Federal College of Education, Kano
- Location: Kano, Kano State
- Status: Federal
- Highlights:
- Specializes in multicultural early childhood teaching methods
- Offers Arabic and Islamic integration in ECCE for interested students
- High enrollment of northern ECE professionals
- Government-supported practicum projects
8. College of Education, Warri
- Location: Warri, Delta State
- Status: State
- Highlights:
- Accredited by NCCE to offer ECCE programs
- Excellent student-teacher mentorship programs
- State-of-the-art laboratories for practical training
- Focuses on education psychology and classroom management skills
9. Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu
- Location: Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State
- Status: State-owned
- Highlights:
- Offers ECE and Early Childhood Integrated Programs
- Known for producing quality teachers for public and private schools
- Modern ECE demonstration classrooms
- In partnership with TASUED for degree upgrades
10. Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze
- Location: Umunze, Anambra State
- Status: Federal
- Highlights:
- Offers technical-based Early Childhood Education
- Strong practical orientation and teaching methods
- B.Ed affiliations with Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Focus on educational technology integration in early learning
General Admission Requirements for Early Childhood Education (NCE Level)
To be admitted into any of these top colleges for Early Childhood Education in Nigeria, candidates are expected to meet the following:
For UTME Candidates:
- A minimum of 5 O'Level credits including English Language and any relevant subjects (Mathematics is usually recommended)
- Must have sat for and passed the JAMB UTME examination
- Choose the college as first choice for higher admission chances
- Score above the institution’s cut-off mark for education courses (typically between 120–160)
For Direct Entry (NCE to B.Ed):
- Minimum of Merit in NCE from a recognized College of Education
- O’Level credits in relevant subjects
- Transcript from previous institution
- Some universities may conduct post-entry screening
Why Early Childhood Education Matters
- Foundation Building: Early Childhood Education helps children develop cognitive, emotional, and social skills crucial for lifelong learning.
- High Demand: With the universal basic education drive in Nigeria, ECCE teachers are needed more than ever.
- Entrepreneurial Opportunities: ECCE graduates can run their own daycare centers and nursery schools.
- Global Recognition: The ECCE qualification can be used for international early years teaching opportunities.
FAQ – Best Colleges of Education for Early Childhood Education in Nigeria
1. Can I pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education after NCE?
Yes. Most federal and state Colleges of Education have affiliations with universities for direct entry into B.Ed programs in Early Childhood Education.
2. Is Early Childhood Education a good career path in Nigeria?
Yes. With the growing number of private and public nursery schools, there is increasing demand for qualified ECCE teachers.
3. What is the duration of the NCE program in Early Childhood Education?
The standard duration is 3 years, including compulsory Teaching Practice (TP).
4. Can male students study Early Childhood Education?
Absolutely. The program is open to all genders. More male educators are also being encouraged to join ECCE fields.
5. Are these Colleges of Education accredited?
Yes, all colleges listed in this guide are fully accredited by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).
Conclusion
Choosing the right institution for Early Childhood Education in Nigeria is essential for building a rewarding teaching career. The colleges listed above are recognized not just for their academic excellence, but also for their practical orientation, modern facilities, and commitment to grooming quality teachers.
If you’re passionate about shaping the lives of young learners and want to be part of the education revolution in Nigeria, enrolling in any of these top Colleges of Education for Early Childhood Education in 2025 is a step in the right direction.
