Professional Diploma in Education (PDE):This 37-unit route is for holders of an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) or National Diploma (ND) with at least 24 months of classroom teaching experience.
Also Apply: Paid Remote Internship for Individuals Interested in Storytelling, Digital Content and Technology at WeRobotics Communications Internship 2026
Both routes lead to a PGDE or PDE qualification from an accredited ATPP institution. Successful completion provides eligibility for TRCN registration in the appropriate category after all programme and examination requirements have been met.
Who can apply
ATPP is for serving non-professional teachers, instructors and educators who meet the qualification and classroom-experience requirements for the selected route.
Eligible applicants include educators working in public and non-state schools, early childhood care, development and education settings, primary and secondary schools, technical and vocational education and training institutions, non-formal education settings, alternative learning settings, and community or volunteer education roles.
Also Apply: African Philanthropy Media Fellowship APMF Cohort 2 for African Journalists, Content Creators and Media Practitioners
What participants learn
The PGDE and PDE curricula align with four professional domains in the TRCN Professional Standards for Teachers:
- Professional knowledge.
- Professional practice.
- Professional values, ethics and conduct.
- Professional engagement and continuing development.
Learning areas include foundations of education, educational psychology, curriculum and pedagogy, inclusive education and safeguarding, assessment and data use, quality assurance, digital and blended learning, and subject methodology and specialisation for early childhood, primary, secondary and technical or vocational education.
Study, practicum and completion requirements
Participants complete contact sessions and online learning through the ATPP learning management system while continuing to serve in the classroom. The pathway also includes supervised teaching practice and institutional assessment.
To graduate and be recommended for TRCN registration, participants must:
- Complete the required credit units for the selected pathway.
- Pass supervised teaching practice.
- Demonstrate professional conduct.
- Meet institutional assessment requirements.
- Sit and pass the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination.
Also Apply: IIH SHIFT Programme 2026 | ₦2 Million–₦5 Million Funding for Nigerian Tech Startups & Innovators
Participating institutions
ATPP is delivered through accredited institutions and study centres across Nigeria. Participating institutions include 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.
How to Apply
- Review the eligibility requirements for the PGDE and PDE pathways.
- Select the pathway that matches the applicant’s academic qualification and classroom teaching experience.
- Submit an application through the ATPP application portal.
- Follow the Cohort 1 admissions-screening instructions after submitting the application.
Applications for ATPP Cohort 1 close on 25 September 2026.