Call for Applications: Federal Government’s 2026 Teacher Professionalisation Programme
The Federal Ministry of Education has opened applications for the 2026–2027 Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP)
This is a six-month programme designed to help serving teachers without formal professional teaching qualifications obtain recognised credentials and work towards registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
The initiative is being coordinated through the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) in partnership with relevant education agencies and institutions. The Federal Government says the programme is aimed at addressing qualification gaps among teachers already working in Nigerian classrooms. Recent reports indicate that the government plans to professionalise as many as 250,000 serving teachers through the initiative.
What is the ATPP?
The Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway provides a structured route for teachers who are already teaching but do not have formal professional education qualifications.
The programme runs for six months, comprising approximately four months of hybrid learning followed by two months of supervised teaching practice. The teaching practice is designed to take place within participants’ existing school environments rather than through simulated off-site arrangements.
Participants can choose between two qualification pathways:
Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
This pathway is designed for holders of a non-education Bachelor’s degree or HND who are currently teaching and have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.
Professional Diploma in Education (PDE)
This pathway is for eligible holders of an OND or ND who are currently teaching and have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is targeted at non-professional teachers and educators currently serving in Nigeria, including:
- Teachers with non-education degrees who are currently teaching
- HND, ND and OND holders currently working as teachers
- Teachers in public and non-state schools
- Early Childhood Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) teachers
- Primary and secondary school teachers
- Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) instructors
- Educators working in non-formal and alternative education
- Community instructors and volunteer educators.
Applicants must meet the relevant academic and classroom-experience requirements for their selected qualification pathway.
What Will Participants Learn?
The ATPP curriculum is aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers and covers professional knowledge, teaching practice, ethics, professional engagement and continuing development.
Key areas include:
- Foundations of Education
- Educational Psychology
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Inclusive Education and Safeguarding
- Assessment, Data Use and Quality Assurance
- Digital and Blended Learning
- Subject Methodology and Specialisation
- Professional ethics and conduct.
Qualification and TRCN Registration
The PGDE pathway carries 40 credit units, while the PDE pathway carries 37 credit units.
To complete the programme and become eligible for recommendation for TRCN registration, participants must fulfil the academic requirements, pass teaching practice, meet professional-conduct requirements and successfully complete institutional assessments.
Participants must also sit for and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE). Successful candidates can then proceed to TRCN registration at the appropriate category.
Participating Institutions
The programme is being delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria.
Participating institutions listed by the ATPP include:
- National Teachers’ Institute (NTI)
- 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.
Programme Fee
The official ATPP website currently lists the programme fee at ₦200,000 per teacher.
Application Deadline
The official ATPP portal currently states that Cohort 1 admissions screening is live and applications close on September 25, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway portal, review the eligibility requirements and select the appropriate PGDE or PDE pathway before completing the online application.
Official ATPP application portal: Apply for the 2026–2027 ATPP Programme
Key Details
Programme: Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP) 2026–2027
Organiser: Federal Ministry of Education
Coordinator: National Teachers’ Institute
Duration: Six months
Study format: Hybrid learning + supervised teaching practice
Qualification: PGDE or PDE
Minimum teaching experience: 24 months
Programme fee: ₦200,000
Application deadline: September 25, 2026
Application mode: Online
