The Federal Government has opened applications for a six-month teacher professionalisation programme designed to help Nigerians currently teaching without formal teaching qualifications obtain professional education credentials.
The Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP) is targeted at non-education graduates and other Nigerians who are already working as teachers but lack formal pedagogical training and professional certification.
Applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026–2027 programme are currently open and will close on September 18, 2026, according to a notice by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The programme is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and TRCN.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to non-professional teachers working in public and non-state schools, as well as those teaching in early childhood, primary, secondary, technical and vocational education, non-formal and alternative learning settings.
Community instructors and volunteer educators are also eligible to apply.
However, applicants must have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.
BSc and HND Holders
Nigerians with a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND who are currently teaching can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) pathway.
The PGDE runs for six months and consists of:
- Four months of hybrid coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 40 credit units
Applicants will need a valid National Identification Number (NIN), their bachelor’s degree or HND certificate, and evidence that they are currently teaching.
Acceptable evidence may include an employment or appointment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or school authority, or relevant pay records.
ND and OND Holders
Those with an ND or OND in a non-education field can apply through the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) pathway.
The PDE also lasts six months and includes:
- Four months of coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 37 credit units
Applicants must provide a valid NIN, ND/OND certificate and evidence of teaching.
What Will Participants Study?
The PGDE and PDE programmes are aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.
Participants will study areas including:
- Foundations of education
- Educational psychology
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Inclusive education and safeguarding
- Assessment and quality assurance
- Digital and blended learning
- Subject methodology and specialisation
- Professional ethics and conduct
- Professional practice and engagement
How to Apply
Interested applicants can access the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway application portal and select the qualification pathway that matches their academic qualification.
Applicants will be required to create an account, provide their email address and phone number, and upload the necessary documents.
Those submitting an application on behalf of another person are advised to use the applicant’s own email address because it will be required for password recovery.
What Happens After the Six Months?
To complete the programme, candidates must fulfil the required credit units, successfully complete teaching practice, demonstrate professional conduct and meet 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 under the appropriate category.
The programme is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria, including 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.
Programme Fee
The ATPP website lists the programme fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.
With applications for the first cohort closing on September 18, 2026, eligible teachers who want to obtain professional teaching qualifications are encouraged to complete their applications before the deadline.
