Key Facts

Programme Name: Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS)
Implementing Agency: Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC)
Service Duration: 2 years
Current Status: Not yet open – Expected announcement soon
Application Fee: Completely FREE
Age Limit: Not more than 35-40 years (criteria may vary)
Monthly Allowance: ₦30,000 (based on previous cycle)
Official Portal: https://fts.admissions.cloud
Educational Requirements: NCE, B.Ed, or Bachelor’s degree with PGDE from government-approved institutions
NYSC Requirement: Must have completed or been exempted from NYSC programme
Employment Status: Must be currently unemployed
Deployment: Public primary and junior secondary schools nationwide, priority given to rural areas

About the Federal Teachers Recruitment

The Federal Teachers Recruitment 2025/2026 is an intervention programme designed to address teacher shortages across Nigeria’s basic education system. Established by the Federal Government in 2006 and coordinated by the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), this scheme offers unemployed graduates a valuable opportunity to gain teaching experience whilst contributing to educational development in Nigerian schools.

The Federal Teachers Scheme (FTS) serves as a critical bridge between UBEC’s mandate to coordinate basic education nationwide and the State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB), which manage basic education at the state level. Through this recruitment, selected teachers are deployed to public primary and junior secondary schools where they’re needed most, helping states meet their teacher quota requirements under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme.

This two-year programme targets individuals who may not have prior teaching experience but possess the necessary academic qualifications. It’s an excellent pathway for fresh graduates to enter the education sector whilst earning a monthly stipend.

How UBEC and SUBEB Work Together

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) is the federal agency responsible for coordinating all aspects of the UBE programme implementation across Nigeria. UBEC sets national policies, provides funding, and oversees quality standards for basic education.

The State Universal Basic Education Boards (SUBEB) operate at the state level, implementing UBEC’s policies and managing day-to-day operations of basic education within their respective states. When teachers are recruited through the Federal Teachers Scheme, UBEC handles the national recruitment process, whilst SUBEBs coordinate deployment, placement, and supervision of these teachers within their states.

This partnership ensures that recruited teachers are strategically placed where teacher shortages are most acute, particularly in rural and underserved communities. SUBEBs also work with UBEC zonal offices to organise screening tests and provide ongoing support to FTS participants throughout their service period.

Federal Teachers Recruitment 2025/2026 Requirements

Before applying for the Federal Teachers Recruitment 2025/2026, you must meet specific eligibility criteria.

Educational Qualifications

You must possess one of the following qualifications from a government-approved institution:

Option 1: Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)

• Must have been obtained not earlier than 2014 (based on previous cycle)
• Credit passes required in Teaching Practice and your Teaching Subjects
• Specialisation must be in approved teaching subjects (see list below)

Option 2: Bachelor’s Degree in Education (B.Ed)

• Minimum of Second Class Lower Division
• Must have been obtained not earlier than 2014 (based on previous cycle)

Option 3: Any Bachelor’s Degree with PGDE

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education
• Minimum of Second Class Lower Division
• PGDE must be from a recognised institution

Teaching Specialisation Areas

Your qualification must specialise in any of these subjects:

• English Language/Literature
• Mathematics
• Integrated Science
• Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
• Agricultural Science
• Home Economics
• Computer Science or Information Technology
• Technical/Technology Education
• Vocational Studies
• Special Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Nigerian and Foreign Languages
• Physical and Health Education

Age Requirements

Applicants must be between 35 and 40 years of age. The exact age limit may vary between recruitment cycles, so verify the current requirement when the portal opens. This age restriction ensures participants can complete the two-year programme effectively.

Employment and Service Requirements

• You must be currently unemployed.
• Must have completed or been exempted from the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme
• You must not be enrolled in N-Power, NYSC, or any similar government scheme
• Must be a Nigerian citizen with valid means of identification

Additional Advantageous Skills

Whilst not mandatory, the following will strengthen your application:

• Excellent communication skills in the English Language
• Computer literacy and proficiency
• Previous teaching experience (even informal)
• Community service involvement

Pro tip: Ensure all your credentials are ready in digital format before the portal opens. You’ll need to upload the following documents: certificates, the NYSC discharge certificate, a valid ID, and a recent passport photograph.

How to Apply for the Federal Teachers Scheme Recruitment

When the Federal Teachers Recruitment 2025/2026 application portal opens, follow these straightforward steps to complete your registration. Don’t worry, the process is straightforward, and the portal is designed to be user-friendly, even for those with limited computer skills.

1. Visit the official portal at https://fts.admissions.cloud – this is the only authentic portal for FTS recruitment. Bookmark this link to avoid fraudulent websites.
2. Click on “New Registration” or “Apply Now” to begin your application process.
3. Please provide your valid email address and phone number, and then create a secure password for your account.
4. Verify your email through the confirmation link sent to your inbox within a few minutes of registration.
5. Fill in your personal information accurately, ensuring that names match exactly as they appear on your certificates.
6. Select your educational qualification category from the options provided (NCE, B.Ed., or Degree with PGDE).
7. Choose your teaching specialisation subject from the approved list of subjects.
8. Provide your NYSC details or exemption certificate information as required.
9. Upload clear, legible copies of all required documents, including educational certificates (NCE, B.Ed, or Degree with PGDE), NYSC discharge or exemption certificate, valid government-issued ID (National ID, Voter’s Card, International Passport, or Driver’s Licence), and a recent passport photograph taken against a white background in formal attire.
10. Carefully review all information entered for accuracy and correct any errors before proceeding to the final submission.
11. Click “Submit” to complete your application and save your application reference number immediately. You will need it for all future correspondence.
12. Print your confirmation page after successful submission. You’ll receive a confirmation email within 24-48 hours containing your application reference number and further instructions.

If you encounter technical difficulties during registration, contact the support team at [email protected] for assistance. When contacting support, provide detailed information about the error you’re experiencing and ask if you’re eligible. Please verify your qualifications against the requirements listed above before submitting your application, as incomplete applications or those from ineligible candidates will be automatically disqualified.

Screening Test, Selection Process and Deployment

Based on previous recruitment cycles, shortlisted candidates undergo a Computer-Based Test (CBT) to assess their teaching competence and subject knowledge. Here’s what to expect when the Federal Teachers Recruitment 2025/2026 reaches the screening stage.

Once applications close (typically two weeks after the portal opens), UBEC will shortlist qualified candidates within two to three weeks. Shortlisted candidates receive notification via email and SMS announcing the CBT schedule. The screening test is usually held on a Saturday at designated CBT centres in all state capitals, with results and the final selection list published on the official portal and UBEC website shortly afterwards.

The Computer-Based Test is conducted at designated centres in state capitals, coordinated by SUBEBs and UBEC zonal offices. The examination typically lasts 60-90 minutes and begins at 9:00 a.m., although candidates should arrive at least 30 minutes prior. Test areas include subject knowledge, teaching methodology, general education principles, and English proficiency.

Candidates must bring a printed copy of their application confirmation page, original certificates and photocopies, a valid form of identification, and their NYSC discharge certificate (both original and photocopy). Your State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) office will provide specific venue details and additional instructions before the test date.

Successful candidates in the Federal Teachers Recruitment 2025/2026 will be deployed to public primary and junior secondary schools across Nigeria. Understanding your service terms helps you prepare adequately for this critical role.

According to previous cycles, the Federal Government pays each participant a monthly allowance of N30,000, though this amount may be reviewed upward when the 2025/2026 recruitment begins. Payment is processed through direct bank transfer every month throughout the two-year service period, or as may be determined by the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The two-year service period provides sufficient time to gain meaningful teaching experience, make a tangible impact in your assigned school, build a foundation for a permanent teaching career, and qualify for employment consideration by state education authorities. This duration is not just about fulfilling service requirements – it’s a springboard for your teaching career, as many FTS participants are subsequently absorbed into permanent teaching positions by state governments, especially those who demonstrate exceptional commitment and teaching excellence.

Can NCE holders from 2024 apply?

Based on the 2020/2021 cycle, UBEC required that certificates be obtained not earlier than 2014 (within 6 years of recruitment). Using similar criteria, the 2025/2026 cycle may accept certificates from 2019 onwards. However, this timeframe will be confirmed when the official advertisement is released. Always verify the specific year requirement stated in the official circular.

What if I’m currently serving under the NYSC or N-Power program?

Unfortunately, candidates currently enrolled in NYSC, N-Power, or similar government programmes are ineligible for the Federal Teachers Scheme. You must have completed these programmes before applying. This requirement prevents individuals from participating in multiple government intervention schemes.

Will I be posted to my state of origin?

Not necessarily. The Federal Teachers Scheme deployment is based on where teacher shortages exist nationwide, not on the state of origin. You should be prepared to serve anywhere in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities where teachers are most needed. This is part of your contribution to national development through education.

Can I apply if I have a Degree in Science without a Teaching Background?

Only if you possess a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) alongside your Science degree, a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with PGDE qualifies you, provided you meet other requirements, including the minimum Second Class Lower Division classification and NYSC completion.

Pro tip: When contacting support, always include your application reference number (once you’ve applied) for faster assistance.

While we strive for accuracy, specific details, including dates, age limits, certificate year requirements, and allowances, are subject to change for the 2025/2026 cycle. Always verify current information on the official UBEC website and FTS application portal (https://fts.admissions.cloud) when recruitment commences.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria, application procedures, and service conditions. Candidates should rely primarily on official circulars and announcements from UBEC and their state SUBEB for authoritative information.