The federal government has opened applications for a new programme aimed at Nigerians currently working as teachers without formal professional teaching qualifications.
The initiative, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), is designed to provide non-professional teachers with formal pedagogical training and professional certification, paving the way for registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The first cohort of the programme is currently accepting applications, with the deadline set for September 18, 2026, according to a notice published by TRCN on its Facebook page on Monday.
The programme is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and TRCN.
The ATPP offers two qualification routes based on applicants’ existing academic credentials:
The programme targets Nigerians who are already teaching but do not possess professional teaching qualifications.
Eligible categories include teachers working in:
Applicants must, however, have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience to qualify for either of the two professionalisation pathways.
Nigerians who hold a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND and are currently teaching can apply for the PGDE route.
Key details include:
Applicants will be required to submit:
Acceptable evidence of teaching experience may include:
Those with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or National Diploma (ND) in a non-education discipline can apply for the Professional Diploma in Education.
The programme also runs for six months and consists of:
The PDE carries 37 credit units.
Applicants must provide:
The ATPP curriculum is structured around the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers and is intended to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required for professional teaching.
Major areas of study include:
Interested applicants are required to apply through the ATPP online application portal and select the qualification pathway that corresponds with their academic background.
The application process requires applicants to:
