How BSc, HND, ND holders can apply for FG’s six-month teacher certification

Non-education graduates and other Nigerians currently teaching without professional teaching qualifications can apply for a Federal Government’s programme to obtain professional education qualifications and become eligible for registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.

The programme, known as the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway, is designed for non-professional teachers who already have academic qualifications but lack formal pedagogical training and professional certification.

Applications for Cohort 1 are currently open and will close on September 18, 2026, according to a notice released by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria on its Facebook page on Monday.

It offers two qualification pathways — the Postgraduate Diploma in Education for eligible holders of non-education bachelor’s degrees or HNDs, and the Professional Diploma in Education for eligible holders of ND or OND qualifications.

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

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“‎The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) and TRCN, invites applications into Cohort 1 of the ATPP (2026–2027).”

Who can apply?

The ATPP is open to non-professional teachers currently teaching in public and non-state schools, as well as those working in early childhood care, development and education, primary, secondary, technical and vocational education and training, non-formal and alternative settings.

Community instructors and volunteer educators are also listed among those the programme is intended for.

However, applicants must have at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience for the qualification pathways.

BSc and HND holders

Holders of a non-education bachelor’s degree or HND who are currently teaching can apply for the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) pathway.

The PGDE lasts six months and comprises four months of hybrid coursework and two months of supervised teaching practice. It carries 40 credit units.

Applicants are required to provide a valid National Identification Number, a valid bachelor’s degree or HND certificate and evidence of teaching.

The evidence may include an employment or appointment letter, an attestation from a headteacher, principal or school authority, or pay records.

ND or OND holders

Holders of an Ordinary National Diploma or National Diploma in a non-education field who are currently teaching can apply through the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) pathway.

The PDE also runs for six months, comprising four months of coursework and two months of supervised practice. It carries 37 credit units.

Applicants must provide a valid NIN, a valid ND/OND certificate and evidence of teaching.

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What will applicants study?

The ATPP says its PGDE and PDE programmes are aligned with the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers.

The courses cover professional knowledge, professional practice, professional values, ethics and conduct, as well as professional engagement and continuing development.

Other areas include foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education and safeguarding, assessment and quality assurance, digital and blended learning, and subject methodology and specialisation.

How to apply

Applicants are required to visit the ATPP application portal (https://applicant.safapply.com/atpp) and select the appropriate qualification pathway.

They will need to create an account using their details, provide an email address and phone number, and submit the required documents.

The programme’s application portal advises applicants applying on behalf of another person to use the applicant’s email address because it will be required for password recovery.

What happens after the programme?

According to the ATPP, candidates must complete the required credit units, pass teaching practice, demonstrate professional conduct and meet their institution’s assessment requirements.

They must also sit and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination.

Successful candidates will then be eligible for TRCN registration at the appropriate category.

The programme is 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 as ₦200,000 per teacher.