By Staff Reporter
The Federal Government has opened applications for a six-month professional teacher training programme designed to help Nigerians who are already teaching but do not have formal professional teaching qualifications become certified and eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The programme, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), is targeted at non-professional teachers who possess academic qualifications but lack formal training in teaching and pedagogy.
According to the official ATPP portal, applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026–2027 programme will close on September 18, 2026.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to people who are currently teaching in public and private/non-state schools, early childhood education centres, primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational education settings, as well as some non-formal and alternative learning environments.
Community instructors and volunteer educators are also among those identified as potential beneficiaries.
However, applicants for the PGDE and PDE pathways must have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.
BSc holders — PGDE pathway
Nigerians with a Bachelor’s degree in a non-Education field who are currently teaching can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE).
The PGDE runs for six months, comprising:
- Four months of hybrid coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 40 credit units
Applicants will be required to provide their NIN, degree certificate and evidence of teaching experience.
Acceptable evidence may include an appointment or employment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or school authority, or relevant pay records.
HND holders — PGDE pathway
Holders of an HND in a non-Education discipline who are currently teaching can also apply for the PGDE route.
This means an HND holder does not necessarily need to first obtain another undergraduate degree before entering the ATPP, provided the applicant meets the programme’s other requirements, including the minimum teaching experience.
The PGDE is designed to provide the pedagogical and professional training needed to complement the applicant’s existing academic qualification.
ND/OND holders — PDE pathway
For Nigerians with National Diploma (ND) or Ordinary National Diploma (OND) qualifications in non-Education fields, the applicable route is the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE).
The PDE also lasts six months:
- Four months of hybrid coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 37 credit units
Applicants will need their NIN, ND/OND certificate and evidence that they are currently teaching.
What will participants learn?
The programme goes beyond simply awarding a certificate.
The ATPP curriculum is aligned with the professional standards of the TRCN and covers 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 engagement and continuing development
The objective is to equip teachers with the professional knowledge and practical skills required to manage classrooms and improve learning outcomes.
How to apply
Interested applicants should:
Step 1: Visit the official ATPP application portal.
Step 2: Create an account using the applicant’s personal details, email address and telephone number.
Step 3: Select the appropriate pathway — PGDE for eligible BSc/HND holders or PDE for eligible ND/OND holders.
Step 4: Upload the required academic documents and evidence of teaching experience.
Step 5: Review the information supplied and submit the application.
Applicants should use their own email address because it may be required for password recovery and subsequent communication.
Official application portal:
What happens after the six-month programme?
Completing the coursework alone does not automatically make a participant a fully registered professional teacher.
According to the ATPP, candidates must complete the required credit units, pass teaching practice, satisfy institutional assessment requirements and demonstrate appropriate professional conduct.
They must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE).
Successful candidates will then become eligible for TRCN registration at the appropriate category.
How much does the programme cost?
The official ATPP website currently lists the programme fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.
The programme is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria, including the National Teachers’ Institute, University of Lagos, University of Ilorin, University of Port Harcourt, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Maiduguri, National Open University of Nigeria and other participating institutions.
Why the programme matters
For thousands of Nigerians who entered the teaching profession with degrees, HNDs or diplomas but without formal teacher training, the ATPP provides a structured route to acquire professional teaching qualifications without necessarily abandoning their current jobs.
The programme also offers a pathway towards TRCN professional registration, potentially strengthening teachers’ professional standing and improving the quality of teaching in Nigerian classrooms.
Important: Applicants should ensure they meet the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the September 18, 2026 deadline for Cohort 1.