The Federal Government has opened applications for a six-month teacher professionalisation programme for Nigerians who are currently teaching but do not have a professional teaching qualification.
The programme, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), is designed for non-education graduates, teachers and other educators who have academic qualifications but lack formal professional teacher training.
The programme offers two qualification routes depending on the applicant’s existing qualification.
Holders of a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) pathway, while holders of an ND or OND can apply for the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) pathway.
The first cohort is currently open for applications, with the deadline set for September 18, 2026.
The programme is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Who Can Apply?
The ATPP is designed for people who are already involved in teaching but do not have a professional education qualification.
Eligible applicants can include teachers working in:
- Public schools
- Non-state schools
- Early childhood education
- Primary schools
- Secondary schools
- Technical and vocational education and training
- Non-formal education
- Alternative education settings
Community instructors and volunteer educators can also apply if they meet the programme requirements.
A key requirement is at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience for the qualification pathways.
This means the programme is not simply for anyone who has a degree or diploma and wants to become a teacher. Applicants must already have relevant teaching experience.
BSc and HND Holders Can Apply for PGDE
If you have a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND and are currently teaching, you can apply through the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) pathway.
The PGDE runs for six months.
It consists of:
- Four months of hybrid coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 40 credit units
Applicants will need to provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN), their bachelor’s degree or HND certificate and evidence that they are currently teaching.
Acceptable evidence of teaching can include an employment or appointment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or relevant school authority, or pay records.
ND and OND Holders Can Apply for PDE
Applicants with an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or National Diploma (ND) in a non-education field can apply through the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) pathway.
The PDE also lasts six months.
The programme consists of:
- Four months of coursework
- Two months of supervised teaching practice
- 37 credit units
ND or OND applicants will also need a valid NIN, their ND/OND certificate and evidence of teaching.
What Will Participants Study?
The ATPP’s PGDE and PDE programmes are aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.
Participants will receive training in areas needed for professional teaching and classroom practice.
The programme covers areas including:
- Foundations of education
- Educational psychology
- Curriculum and pedagogy
- Inclusive education
- Safeguarding
- Assessment and quality assurance
- Digital and blended learning
- Subject methodology and specialisation
- Professional knowledge
- Professional practice
- Professional values and ethics
- Professional engagement and continuing professional development
The training is intended to give participants both theoretical knowledge and practical teaching experience.
The two-month supervised teaching practice is therefore an important part of the programme.
What Happens After the Six-Month Programme?
Completing the six-month training alone does not automatically make an applicant a registered professional teacher.
According to the ATPP requirements, candidates must complete the required credit units, pass their teaching practice and meet the assessment and professional conduct requirements of their institution.
They must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE).
Candidates who successfully meet the requirements will then be eligible for TRCN registration at the appropriate category.
This provides a pathway for qualified non-professional teachers to obtain the education training and professional certification required to move into the regulated teaching profession.
Where Will the Programme Be Offered?
The ATPP is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria.
The institutions listed for the programme 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
- Babcock University
Applicants should select the appropriate qualification pathway and follow the available application instructions when registering.
How Much Does the Programme Cost?
The ATPP website lists the programme fee as ₦200,000 per teacher.
This means the programme is not a free teacher training programme.
Applicants should take the stated fee into consideration before applying and should use the official ATPP application portal for payment and registration instructions.
How to Apply for the ATPP
Applicants can apply online through the official ATPP application portal.
Application portal:
https://applicant.safapply.com/atpp
When applying, select the qualification pathway that matches your existing academic qualification.
For BSc and HND holders
Select the PGDE pathway if you hold a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND and meet the teaching experience requirement.
You will need to provide your NIN, academic certificate and evidence of teaching.
For ND and OND holders
Select the PDE pathway if you hold an ND or OND in a non-education field and meet the required teaching experience.
You will need to provide your NIN, ND/OND certificate and evidence of teaching.
Applicants creating an account should use an email address they can access because the email may be required for account and password recovery.
Application Deadline
Applications for Cohort 1 of the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (2026–2027) close on:
September 18, 2026
Applicants who meet the requirements should complete the registration process before the deadline.
ATPP 2026 Application Details
Programme: Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP)
Target: Non-professional teachers currently teaching
Academic routes: PGDE and PDE
PGDE: For eligible non-education bachelor’s degree and HND holders
PDE: For eligible ND/OND holders
Teaching experience: At least 24 months
Programme duration: Six months
PGDE structure: Four months coursework + two months supervised teaching practice
PDE structure: Four months coursework + two months supervised teaching practice
PGDE credits: 40 credit units
PDE credits: 37 credit units
Programme fee: ₦200,000
Application deadline: September 18, 2026
Application portal: https://applicant.safapply.com/atpp
The opportunity is particularly relevant to Nigerians who are already teaching with a degree, HND, ND or OND but have not completed professional teacher training.
Eligible applicants should check the requirements for their qualification, prepare their teaching evidence and apply through the official ATPP portal before September 18, 2026.
???? Stay Empowered with ZOEEB
Join our community for daily updates on jobs, skills, and financial growth opportunities.
