Can I teach nursery school in Nigeria with pre-primary teacher training?

By APTTI Educational Content · Updated 2026-10-10 · 2 min read

Private nursery schools in Nigeria often hire teachers with early-years training, and APTTI's pre-primary course can strengthen your skills and CV. For registered teaching posts, the usual minimum is the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). A private certificate does not replace NCE or TRCN registration.

What this means in practice

Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan have many private nursery and primary schools where practical early-years skills are in demand.

How the course fits

As a first step into private nursery teaching
As extra early-years training for NCE or degree holders
For owners and managers of private nursery schools

What employers look for

Classroom experience, spoken English, knowledge of phonics and play-based methods, and good communication with parents.

Building a strong profile in Nigeria

Nigerian private schools increasingly compete on quality, so they look for teachers who can use phonics, play-based activities and good classroom management. Combine your training with practical experience, strong spoken English and examples of your work. If you plan a long-term teaching career, consider the NCE or a degree in education alongside APTTI's course, so that you can register with TRCN and access a wider range of posts.

Practical next steps

Check whether your target school requires TRCN registration.
Pick the right level (WAEC/NECO equals 12th pass for the Diploma).
Practise with children while studying.

ExampleNgozi, an NCE holder in Ibadan, took the Diploma to strengthen her nursery teaching and now leads a nursery 2 class.

What to keep in mind: Confirm current TRCN rules; registration requirements may change.

Common follow-up questions

Can I pay in naira?

International fees are in USD; ask admissions about payment options.

Is WAEC enough for the Diploma?

A completed senior secondary certificate is generally treated as 12th pass; confirm with admissions.

Sources

Course facts from APTTI's published course pages, checked 10 October 2026. Editorial policy.