Nigerians who are already teaching in schools but lack professional teaching qualifications now have a fresh opportunity to become certified teachers under a Federal Government-backed programme.
The initiative, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), is targeted at non-education graduates, community instructors, volunteer educators and other Nigerians teaching without formal professional training.
Applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026–2027 programme are currently open, with the deadline set for September 18, 2026.
The programme is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The programme is open to people currently teaching in public and non-state schools, including those working in:
- Early childhood education
- Primary and secondary schools
- Technical and vocational education
- Non-formal and alternative education
- Community education
Community instructors and volunteer educators are also eligible.
However, applicants must have at least two years (24 months) of classroom teaching experience to qualify for the professional qualification pathways.
BSc AND HND HOLDERS
Those with a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
The PGDE lasts six months and consists of:
- Four months of hybrid coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 40 credit units
Applicants must submit a valid National Identification Number (NIN), their bachelor’s degree or HND certificate and evidence that they are teaching.
Acceptable evidence may include an appointment or employment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or school authority, or proof of salary/payments.
ND/OND HOLDERS
Applicants with an ND or OND in a non-education field can go through the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) route.
The PDE also runs for six months, comprising four months of coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice.
It carries 37 credit units.
Applicants will need their valid NIN, ND/OND certificate and proof of teaching experience.
WHAT WILL THEY LEARN?
The programme is designed around the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.
Participants will be trained in areas including professional knowledge and practice, ethics and conduct, professional engagement, foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum and pedagogy.
They will also study inclusive education and safeguarding, assessment and quality assurance, digital and blended learning, as well as subject methodology and specialisation.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants are required to visit the ATPP application portal and choose the qualification pathway that matches their academic background.
They will then create an account, provide their email address and telephone number and upload the required documents.
The portal also advises anyone helping another person with the application to use the applicant’s own email address, as it will be needed for password recovery.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SIX MONTHS?
Completing the coursework alone will not automatically make a candidate a professional teacher.
Participants must complete the required credit units, successfully undergo teaching practice, meet professional conduct standards and satisfy their institution’s assessment requirements.
They must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination.
Successful candidates will then become eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria in the appropriate category.
WHERE WILL THE PROGRAMME HOLD?
The ATPP is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria.
Participating institutions listed by the programme include the National Teachers’ Institute, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Lagos, University of Port Harcourt, University of Ilorin, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Maiduguri, National Open University of Nigeria, MIVA Open University, Meadow Hall College of Education and Babcock University.
HOW MUCH IS THE PROGRAMME?
The ATPP website lists the programme fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.
With the application window closing on September 18, 2026, eligible teachers without professional education qualifications have a limited period to apply for the six-month certification pathway.
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