National Teachers Institute(NTI)

The National Teachers' Institute (NTI), Kaduna, is a single-mode distance education institution dedicated to teacher training. It was established in 1976 by the Federal Government in response to the pressing need for trained and qualified teaching staff at all levels of the Nigerian educational system. Act No. 7 of 10 April 1978 charged the Institute with providing courses of instruction leading to the development, upgrading and certification of teachers using distance education techniques.

The Institute was set up to professionalise the teaching profession at all levels, to curb shortages of professional teachers nationwide, and to let serving teachers upgrade their qualifications and professional competence without leaving their jobs, at minimum cost to students and education authorities. Its vision is to enhance the professional skills of serving teachers for high quality education delivery at primary and secondary levels. Its mission is to upgrade teachers' knowledge and skills in curriculum implementation while instilling dedication, loyalty, commitment, discipline and resourcefulness.

Programmes are: the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), the Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), the Advanced Diploma in Education (ADE), the Advanced Diploma in Environmental Education (ADEE), the Pivotal Teachers Training Programme (PTTP), Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and capacity building courses.

NTI operates two specialised centres: the Centre for Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education (SMASE) and the Centre for E-Learning. SMASE has trained 438 teachers in science and mathematics nationwide, with training cascaded in each state. A Centre for Entrepreneurship and Special Education runs CPD programmes to develop and upgrade the skills of teachers at basic level.

Students study through distance learning supported by a My NTI student portal, an NTI LMS (learning management system), an e-library, an e-catalogue and a Moodle site. Field operations and student services are handled through zonal and state coordinators. NTI is a member of the African Council for Distance Education (ACDE).