August 21, 2026
The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) is set to commence the Accelerated Teachers Professionalisation Pathway (ATPP) programme for Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) through study centres across the three senatorial districts of Cross River State.
The development was disclosed when a delegation from the NTI, led by the TRCN State Coordinator, Dr. Noah Ashibi, paid a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Sen. Prof. Stephen Odey. Speaking during the visit, the NTI State Coordinator Mrs. Deborah Silas-Dikibo expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for the audience and sought the State Government’s support and approval for the proposed study centres.
The Commissioner welcomed the initiative, particularly the proposed centres in the state, noting that its strategic location and population would make the programme accessible to prospective participants from across neighbouring communities.
Professor Odey urged the NTI to intensify advocacy and public awareness, stressing the need to ensure that teachers and other prospective beneficiaries are adequately informed about the opportunity to upgrade their professional qualifications. He said the initiative would complement the State Government’s efforts to strengthen the education sector by providing opportunities for teachers without professional teaching qualifications to acquire the necessary training and credentials.
The Commissioner assured the delegation of the State Government’s support and pledged to promote the programme during his engagements with education stakeholders across the state.
Senator Odey expressed optimism that the collaboration would contribute significantly to improving teacher professionalisation and the quality of teaching and learning in Cross River State.