Apply Now: Teach for Nigeria Fellowship Program

The Teach For Nigeria Fellowship Program recruits passionate Nigerians to teach and lead change in underserved communities through a structured, two-year fellowship.
The program offers two pathways—the Young Graduate Pathway and the Existing Teacher Pathway—each with clear eligibility criteria and a rigorous selection process.
Applicants are assessed on leadership potential, commitment to equitable education, willingness to serve, and alignment with long-term education reform in Nigeria.

Overview

The Teach For Nigeria Fellowship Program is a national leadership and education initiative aimed at transforming learning outcomes in underserved communities across Nigeria.

The fellowship places committed individuals in public schools to deliver high-quality teaching while developing leadership skills that drive long-term systemic change in the education sector.

The program is built on the belief that every child deserves access to an equitable and excellent education, regardless of background or location.

Core Focus Areas of the Fellowship

The fellowship is designed around the following key pillars:

• Equitable and excellent education for all children

• Leadership development and values-driven service

• Community impact in underserved locations

• Commitment to teaching and classroom excellence

• Personal growth and professional development

• Long-term systemic change in Nigeria’s education system

These focus areas guide both the selection of fellows and the structure of the fellowship experience.

Fellowship Pathways

Teach For Nigeria offers two distinct application pathways to accommodate different professional backgrounds and experience levels.

Young Graduate Pathway

The Young Graduate Pathway targets highly motivated young graduates and mid-level professionals from diverse academic disciplines.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a Nigerian citizen

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with a minimum of second-class honour

• Have at least five O’Level credits, including Mathematics and English

• Have completed the National Youth Service Corps on or before July 2026

This pathway is suitable for individuals seeking to begin a leadership journey through teaching and community engagement.

Existing Teacher Pathway

The Existing Teacher Pathway is designed for experienced teachers currently working in public schools in Ogun State.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be full-time employees under Ogun State TESCOM or SUBEB

• Be actively teaching at the primary or secondary school level

• Not be older than 50 years at the time of application

• Hold a university degree or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)

• Have a minimum of five years of teaching experience

• Have a permanent teaching appointment under Ogun State government through SUBEB, TESCOM, or the Ministry of Education

This pathway strengthens leadership and instructional capacity among experienced educators already serving in public schools.

Who Is Eligible?

The Teach For Nigeria Fellowship is open to:

• Nigerian citizens committed to education equity

• Young graduates and professionals seeking impactful service

• Experienced public school teachers in Ogun State

• Individuals willing to serve full-time in underserved communities for two years

Eligibility is pathway-specific and strictly verified during the application process.

Why the Teach For Nigeria Fellowship Matters

The fellowship plays a critical role in education reform in Nigeria.

It matters because it:

• Addresses educational inequity in underserved communities

• Builds a pipeline of education-focused leaders

• Strengthens teaching quality in public schools

• Encourages community-driven solutions to education challenges

• Supports long-term systemic change beyond the classroom

Fellowship Selection Process

Fellowship candidates are selected through a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process.

Applicants are evaluated on:

• Belief in equitable and excellent education

• Demonstrated leadership potential

• Openness to learning and feedback

• Willingness to relocate to underserved communities

• Readiness to commit to two years of full-time teaching service

Selection is competitive and designed to identify individuals aligned with the Teach For Nigeria vision and values.

Application Requirements

Essay Requirements

Applicants must complete three essays focused on:

• Leadership experience

• Motivation for applying to the fellowship

• Long-term career goals

Essays should clearly describe achievements, aspirations, and alignment with the fellowship mission.

Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR approach to present experiences accurately and honestly.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit valid and accurate documentation, including:

• O’Level results

• University degree certificate or statement of result

• NYSC certificate

• Birth certificate or valid proof of age

All documents are carefully reviewed by trained assessors, and inaccuracies may result in disqualification.

How to Apply

Step 1: Choose the Appropriate Pathway

Applicants must select either the Young Graduate Pathway or the Existing Teacher Pathway based on eligibility.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form

Fill out all required sections accurately and professionally.

Step 3: Write and Review Essay Responses

Ensure essays are clear, relevant, well-structured, and aligned with fellowship values.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Submit all academic and identification documents in the correct format.

Step 5: Proofread and Submit

Review the entire application carefully to avoid errors before final submission.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying under the wrong pathway

• Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents

• Writing generic or unclear essay responses

• Failing to demonstrate leadership or commitment to education equity

• Poor proofreading and avoidable grammatical errors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the duration of the Teach For Nigeria Fellowship?

The fellowship requires a commitment of two years of full-time teaching service.

2. Can applicants from any academic background apply?

Yes. The Young Graduate Pathway is open to graduates from diverse academic disciplines.

3. Is relocation required?

Yes. Fellows must be willing to serve in underserved communities where they are placed.

4. Are only teachers eligible for the fellowship?

No. The program has separate pathways for young graduates and experienced teachers.

5. Is NYSC completion mandatory?

Yes. Applicants under the Young Graduate Pathway must complete NYSC on or before July 2026.

6. How important are the essays in the selection process?

The essays are a critical component and are used to assess leadership, motivation, and alignment with the fellowship mission.

7. Who reviews the applications?

Applications are reviewed by trained assessors using standardized evaluation criteria.

Conclusion

The Teach For Nigeria Fellowship Program offers a powerful opportunity for Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to education reform while developing leadership skills and community impact.

By combining classroom teaching, leadership development, and service in underserved areas, the fellowship builds a generation of change leaders committed to transforming Nigeria’s education system for the long term.