The Federal Government has opened applications for non-education graduates and other Nigerians currently teaching without professional qualifications to obtain recognised teaching credentials and become eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The initiative, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), targets individuals who are already engaged in teaching but lack formal pedagogical training and professional certification.
The programme is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and TRCN.
According to a notice published by TRCN on its Facebook page on Monday, applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026–2027 session are open and will close on September 18, 2026.
The programme provides two qualification routes: the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) for eligible holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), and the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) for eligible holders of National Diploma or Ordinary National Diploma (ND/OND) qualifications.
TRCN said the initiative was designed to provide non-professional teachers with the necessary training and certification to become qualified professional educators.
“Are you currently teaching but do not have a professional education qualification? This is your opportunity to become a certified, registered professional teacher!” the council stated.
Who Can Apply?
The ATPP is open to non-professional teachers currently working in public and non-state schools, as well as those involved in early childhood care, development and education, primary and secondary education, technical and vocational education and training, and 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 to qualify for either of the two certification pathways.
PGDE for BSc and HND Holders
Holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or HNDs who are currently teaching can apply for the PGDE pathway.
The six-month programme consists of four months of hybrid coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice and carries 40 credit units.
Applicants are required to provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN), their bachelor’s degree or HND certificate and evidence of teaching experience.
Acceptable evidence may include an employment or appointment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or school authority, or relevant pay records.
PDE for ND/OND Holders
Applicants with ND or OND qualifications in non-education fields can enrol through the Professional Diploma in Education pathway.
The PDE also runs for six months, comprising four months of coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice, with 37 credit units.
Applicants must provide a valid NIN, their ND/OND certificate and evidence of teaching experience.
What the Programme Covers
According to the ATPP, the PGDE and PDE curricula are aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.
The programmes cover professional knowledge, teaching practice, professional values, ethics and conduct, professional engagement and continuing professional development.
Other areas include foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education and safeguarding, assessment and quality assurance, digital and blended learning, as well as subject methodology and specialisation.
Certification and TRCN Registration
At the end of the programme, participants are expected to complete the required credit units, pass their teaching practice and satisfy their institutions’ assessment requirements.
They must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination.
Successful candidates will subsequently become eligible for registration with TRCN under the appropriate professional 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.
The ATPP website lists the programme fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.
Download our Mobile App for easy access
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Mobile App Lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvng.lite
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edutvmobile.ng&hl=en
Follow us on Youtube
https://youtube.com/@edutvnigeria
Follow us on LinkedIn -
https://ng.linkedin.com/company/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Instagram
https://instagram.com/edutvnigeria
Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/edutvnigeria
