How To Apply For FG’s Teacher Professionalisation Programme Before September 18

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:

• Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE): For eligible holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees and HNDs.
• Professional Diploma in Education (PDE): For eligible holders of ND or OND qualifications.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme targets Nigerians who are already teaching but do not possess professional teaching qualifications.

Eligible categories include teachers working in:

• Public schools;
• Non-state or private schools;
• Early Childhood Care, Development and Education;
• Primary schools;
• Secondary schools;
• Technical and vocational education and training;
• Non-formal education;
• Alternative learning settings;
• Community education programmes; and
• Volunteer education programmes.

Applicants must, however, have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience to qualify for either of the two professionalisation pathways.

PGDE Pathway For Degree And HND Holders

Nigerians who hold a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND and are currently teaching can apply for the PGDE route.

Key details include:

• Duration: Six months.
• Coursework: Four months of hybrid learning.
• Teaching practice: Two months of supervised teaching.
• Credit load: 40 credit units.

Applicants will be required to submit:

• A valid National Identification Number (NIN);
• A valid bachelor’s degree or HND certificate; and
• Evidence of current or previous teaching experience.

Acceptable evidence of teaching experience may include:

• An employment or appointment letter;
• An attestation from a headteacher, principal or relevant school authority; or
• Pay records.

PDE Pathway For ND/OND Holders

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:

• Four months of coursework; and
• Two months of supervised teaching practice.

The PDE carries 37 credit units.

Applicants must provide:

• A valid NIN;
• A valid ND or OND certificate; and
• Evidence that they have teaching experience.

What Will Participants Learn?

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:

• Foundations of education;
• Educational psychology;
• Curriculum development and pedagogy;
• Inclusive education and safeguarding;
• Assessment and quality assurance;
• Digital and blended learning;
• Subject methodology and specialisation;
• Professional knowledge;
• Professional teaching practice;
• Professional values, ethics and conduct; and
• Professional engagement and continuing professional development.

How To Apply

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:

• Create an account on the portal;
• Provide their personal details;
• Submit an email address and telephone number;
• Select either the PGDE or PDE pathway, where eligible; and
• Upload the required academic and teaching-experience documents.

Applicants completing the form on behalf of another person have also been advised to use the actual applicant’s email address, as the email will be needed for password recovery.

What Happens After Completion?

Completing the coursework alone does not automatically qualify participants for professional registration.

According to the ATPP requirements, participants must:

• Complete the required credit units;
• Successfully complete supervised teaching practice;
• Meet the relevant institutional assessment requirements;
• Demonstrate the required professional conduct; and
• Sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE).

Successful candidates will subsequently become eligible for registration with TRCN under the appropriate professional category.

Where is the programme offered?

The programme is to be delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria.

Institutions listed by the ATPP include:

• 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 And Deadline

The ATPP website lists the cost of the programme at ₦200,000 per teacher.