Abuja: The Federal Government has directed the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) in Kaduna to lead the professionalisation of 250,000 teachers currently serving without formal teaching qualifications. This directive aims to enhance teacher quality across Nigeria by providing unqualified teachers with a pathway to obtain professional qualifications.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Iyela Ajaji, the Sub-Committee Chairman on Media and Communication for the Accelerated Teacher Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP), explained that the initiative is under the supervision of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The programme is designed to offer affordable and time-bound routes to professional qualifications recognised by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Ajayi clarified that the initiative is not intended to remove teachers from classrooms but to enable them to acquire necessary qualifications. NTI, led by its Director and Chief Executive, Prof. Sadiya Daura, will coordinate the programme, collaborating with agencies like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The programme will offer two blended-learning routes: the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and the Professional Diploma in Education (PDE). These routes will cater to teachers with degrees in non-education disciplines and those entering from the National Diploma cadre, respectively. Both routes will include self-paced digital learning, virtual sessions, structured assessments, and supervised teaching practice within teachers’ respective schools.
Teaching practice is a crucial component, supported by structured practicum, mentor and supervisor protocols, along with documented evidence of lessons taught. The programme is set to run for six months, with four months dedicated to instruction and two months to teaching practice. Candidates’ records will include pupils’ work, learning materials, and supervisors’ endorsements.
NTI will oversee curriculum development, content management, and quality assurance in collaboration with UBEC and the ATPP Steering Committee. The implementation will be through existing institutions rather than a parallel project unit. Preparatory work is well underway, with curriculum frameworks for both routes reviewed and finalised. About 40 content experts from universities, colleges of education, and government agencies have participated in developing the modules.
The programme architecture has been mapped across federal, state, and local government levels to ensure coordinated implementation nationwide. Remaining preparatory activities include finalising digital curriculum delivery and teaching practice arrangements. The blended model will ensure that teachers engage in both virtual and physical learning components, enhancing instruction, assessment, and practical application.
The ATPP is slated to launch in October 2026 as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen teacher quality in Nigeria, promoting professional standards and improving the quality of teaching and learning nationwide.