NTI Degree Courses: The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna trains and upgrades teachers through distance learning. This guide breaks down every NTI programme, who can apply, what each costs, and how to enrol.
NTI runs from its Kaduna headquarters through 6 zonal offices, 37 state offices, and over 400 study centres across Nigeria. You attend tutorials, write exams, and meet tutors at the centre nearest you.
NTI Programmes at a Glance
NTI offers five main programmes:
- Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) by Distance Learning
- Bachelor’s Degree Programme (BDP) in education subjects
- Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), affiliated with NOUN
- Advanced Diploma in Education (ADE) for NCE and OND holders
- Pivotal Teacher Training Programme (PTTP) and short Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses
NCE: Nigeria Certificate in Education
The NCE is the minimum teaching qualification in Nigeria. NTI runs it by Distance Learning so serving teachers can keep working while they study.
Who Can Apply
You need 5 credit passes in any of these certificates, with one credit in the subject you plan to teach:
- Grade II Teachers’ Certificate (TC-II)
- Pivotal Teachers’ Certificate (PTC)
- WASC, NECO-SSCE, GCE, or NABTEB
- Higher Islamic Studies Certificate (HISC)
Serving teachers with 5 years of classroom experience can apply with fewer credits.
Duration
Three years across four cycles, with two semesters per cycle.
BDP: Bachelor’s Degree Programme
The BDP upgrades NCE and Grade II teachers to graduate level.
Courses You Can Choose
- B.A.(Ed) Primary Education
- B.A.(Ed) Social Studies
- B.A.(Ed) English
- B.Sc.(Ed) Mathematics
- B.Sc.(Ed) Integrated Science
- B.Sc.(Ed) Physical and Health Education
Who Can Apply
- NCE with merit (C) plus UTME requirements: 3 years minimum
- NCE below C with 5 years’ teaching experience plus UTME: 4 years minimum
- National Diploma at upper credit in a relevant area: 3 years minimum
B.Sc.(Ed) candidates need a credit in Physics, Chemistry, or Biology, plus credits in English and Mathematics. English candidates need credits in English Language and Literature in English.
PGDE: Postgraduate Diploma in Education
The PGDE turns graduates from non-education fields into qualified teachers. It is run in affiliation with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
Who Can Apply
You need a first degree (BA/BSc), HND, or equivalent in any discipline, with at least Second Class Lower or Lower Credit. You must also meet UTME requirements.
Duration
15 calendar months: 12 months of coursework plus 3 months of supervised teaching practice.
ADE: Advanced Diploma in Education
The ADE deepens the skills of NCE and ND holders in fields like:
- School Supervision and Inspection
- Early Childhood Education
- Guidance and Counselling
- Special Education
Who Can Apply
NCE from a recognised College of Education, or ND from a recognised polytechnic or college of agriculture (for serving teachers).
PTTP and CPD: In-Service Training
The Pivotal Teacher Training Programme prepares non-graduate teachers for the classroom. CPD short courses cover four packages:
- Package A: Teaching methods, classroom management, communication, ICT for teachers
- Package B: Modern methods for teaching English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Basic Science
- Package C: Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE), learner-centred teaching, instructional materials
- Package D: E-learning, Entrepreneurship Education, Special Education
NTI School Fees (2025/2026 Session)
Fees revise each session. Always confirm the live schedule on my.nti.edu.ng before you pay.
NCE Fees
- Admission form: ₦2,500
- 1st semester tuition (Cycle 1): ₦23,000–₦26,000
- Subsequent semesters: ₦17,000–₦26,000
BDP Fees
- Admission form: ₦5,500
- 100 Level: ₦56,000 (1st sem) + ₦50,000 (2nd sem)
- 200 Level: ₦50,000 per semester
- 300 Level: ₦50,000 + ₦60,000
- 400 Level: ₦60,000 per semester
PGDE Fees
- Admission form: ₦10,500
- 1st semester tuition: ₦56,000
- 2nd semester tuition: ₦35,000
ADE Fees
- Admission form: ₦2,500
- 1st semester: ₦39,000
- 2nd semester: ₦38,000
Practical courses (ITS, PHE, CCA) cost slightly more.
How to Apply for NTI Programmes
- Open the portal at my.nti.edu.ng.
- Click Fresh Applications.
- Fill the form and submit.
- Generate your Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) on the portal. The system only accepts RRRs it issues.
- Pay at any commercial bank or online with your card.
- Log back in and finalise your application.
NTI Specialised Centres
NTI runs four specialised centres that support its programmes:
- Centre for Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE)
- Centre for Entrepreneurship and Special Education
- Centre for the Teaching of English
- Centre for E-Learning
The SMASE centre has trained over 438 teachers in mathematics and science, and that training is cascaded down to state level.
NTI Study Centres
NTI’s six zonal offices coordinate study centres across the country:
- North Central: Abuja
- North East: Bauchi
- South-South: Benin
- South East: Enugu
- South West: Ibadan
- North West: Kano
Every state and the FCT has an NTI office. Pick the centre closest to you when you apply.
NTI Contact Information
Address: KM 5 Kaduna–Zaria Express Way, Rigachikun, PMB 2191, Kaduna, Nigeria
Phone: +234-(0)62-887873
Email: [email protected]
Website: nti.edu.ng
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NTI a recognised institution?
Yes. NTI is a federal institution established by Decree No. 7 of 1978. The National Universities Commission (NUC) and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) recognise its degrees and diplomas.
Can I work while studying at NTI?
Yes. All NTI programmes use distance learning. You attend weekend tutorials at a study centre and study from home during the week.
How long does the NTI Bachelor’s Degree take?
The minimum is 3 years for NCE merit holders or ND upper credit holders. NCE pass holders with teaching experience spend at least 4 years.
Does NTI accept JAMB UTME scores?
Yes. BDP and PGDE applicants must meet the minimum UTME score for their chosen course in addition to the qualifications listed above.
Is the NTI PGDE accepted by TRCN?
Yes. The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) accepts the NTI PGDE for teacher registration.
Can I transfer from NCE to BDP at NTI?
Yes. NCE graduates can apply directly to the BDP. The level you start at depends on your NCE grade and teaching experience.
How do I pay NTI fees?
Generate an RRR on the NTI portal, then pay at any commercial bank or online with a debit card. The system rejects payments made with RRRs from outside the portal.
When does NTI admission open?
Admission usually opens between January and March each year. Check nti.edu.ng/news for the current session’s dates.
What is the difference between NCE and ADE at NTI?
The NCE is an entry-level teaching qualification. The ADE is a top-up programme for people who already hold an NCE or ND and want to specialise in fields like guidance and counselling or early childhood education.