Nigeria opens six-month teacher certification route for BSc, HND and ND holders

Nigerians who are already teaching without professional qualifications can apply for a six-month government program designed to give them formal teacher certification.

The Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway, or ATPP, is intended for non-professional teachers working in public and non-state schools, early-childhood education, primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational education, and non-formal or alternative settings. Community instructors and volunteer educators are also eligible. Applicants must have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.

Holders of a non-education bachelor’s degree or an HND can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education pathway. The PGDE includes four months of hybrid coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice, and carries 40 credit units.

Applicants with an ND or OND in a non-education field can apply for the Professional Diploma in Education pathway. It also lasts six months, with four months of coursework and two months of supervised practice, and carries 37 credit units.

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria said applications for Cohort 1 of the 2026-2027 program would close on Sept. 18, 2026. Applicants must submit a valid National Identification Number, their relevant certificate and evidence of teaching, such as an appointment letter, an attestation from a school authority or pay records. The Federal Ministry of Education is running the program with the National Teachers’ Institute and TRCN.

“

Are you currently teaching but do not have a professional education qualification? This is your opportunity to become a certified, registered professional teacher!