Job Application Letter for Teacher: 22 Samples for Nigerian Schools (2026)

Job Application Letter for a Teacher: 22 Samples for Nigerian Schools (2026)

This page gives you 22 complete teacher application letters you can copy and adapt, covering nursery, primary and secondary schools, specific subjects, fresh graduates, NYSC corps members, head teachers and lecturers. Each one follows the formal letter layout Nigerian schools expect.

Pick the template closest to the role, replace everything in square brackets with your own details, and add one specific achievement. A tailored letter with one real result beats a long generic one every time.

How to Format a Teaching Application Letter in Nigeria

Nigerian schools expect a formal letter. Use this layout:

1. Your address at the top right, followed by the date.
2. The recipient's title and address on the left, for example "The Principal" or "The Proprietor", then the school name and address.
3. Salutation: "Dear Sir/Ma," when you don't know the name. Use "Dear Mrs Adeyemi," when you do.
4. Subject line in capitals or bold, for example "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MATHEMATICS TEACHER".
5. Three or four short paragraphs: the role you want and where you saw it, your qualifications and experience, one or two achievements, and a closing line asking for an interview.
6. Closing: "Yours faithfully," after "Dear Sir/Ma", or "Yours sincerely," after a named salutation. Then your signature, full name and phone number.

Keep it to one page. Mention your TRCN registration if you have it, and attach your CV and credentials.

Full Sample Letter (With Addresses)

Use this as the model for layout. The templates further down start from the salutation to save space, but you should include the addresses in every letter you send.

14 Adeola Street,
Surulere, Lagos.
15th October, 2026.

The Principal,
Grace Heights College,
22 Allen Avenue,
Ikeja, Lagos.

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of English Language Teacher advertised on HeadHunter.ng. I hold a B.A. (Ed.) in English Language from the University of Lagos and I am registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

For the past four years I have taught English Language and Literature-in-English to JSS 1 to SS 3 students at Bright Future Secondary School, Yaba. In my last WAEC set, 92% of my students earned a credit or better in English Language, up from 74% two years earlier. I also run the school's debate club, which reached the Lagos State inter-school finals last session.

I would welcome the chance to bring the same results to Grace Heights College. My CV and credentials are attached, and I am available for an interview and a demonstration lesson at your convenience.

Yours faithfully,

[Signature]
Chiamaka Okonkwo
0803 000 0000

22 Teacher Application Letter Templates

Nursery and Primary School

Template 1: Nursery School Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF NURSERY SCHOOL TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Nursery School Teacher at [School Name]. I hold an NCE in Early Childhood Care and Education from [College] and have [number] years of experience teaching children aged two to five.

At [Current or Previous School], I plan play-based lessons in phonics, numbers and early writing, and I keep parents updated through weekly notes. I am patient, organised and trained in basic first aid.

I would be glad to discuss how I can support the children in your care. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 2: Primary School Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Primary School Teacher advertised [where you saw it]. I hold a [B.Ed./NCE] in Primary Education Studies and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught Primary [classes] at [School Name] for [number] years, covering English, Mathematics and Basic Science. Last session, [a specific result, for example: every pupil in my Primary 5 class passed the common entrance examination].

I am confident I can contribute to the academic and moral growth of pupils at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached, and I am available for an interview at your convenience.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 3: Montessori or Early Years Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MONTESSORI TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Montessori Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [Montessori certificate or diploma] from [Institution] in addition to an [NCE/B.Ed.] in Early Childhood Education.

For [number] years I have run a prepared Montessori environment for children aged [range], guiding practical life, sensorial, language and mathematics work at each child's pace. I keep detailed observation records and share them with parents each term.

I would value the opportunity to bring this approach to your classrooms. My CV and certificates are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Secondary School Subjects

Template 4: English Language Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of English Language Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.A. (Ed.)/B.A. and PGDE] in English and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught English Language to [classes] for [number] years at [School Name], preparing students for WAEC and NECO. [A specific result, for example: my SS 3 credit pass rate rose from 70% to 88% over two sessions.]

I would welcome the chance to help your students read, write and speak with confidence. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 5: Mathematics Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MATHEMATICS TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Mathematics Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Mathematics] and I am registered with TRCN.

Over [number] years at [School Name], I have taught Mathematics and Further Mathematics to [classes]. I break difficult topics into small steps and run extra revision sessions before external examinations. [A specific result, for example: 85% of my SS 3 students earned a credit in WAEC Mathematics last year.]

I would be glad to bring the same commitment to [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 6: Physics Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF PHYSICS TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Physics Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Physics/B.Sc. Physics and PGDE] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught Physics to SS 1 to SS 3 for [number] years at [School Name], and I make sure every student completes the practicals required for WAEC and NECO. [A specific result or responsibility, for example: I reorganised the physics laboratory and introduced weekly practical sessions.]

I would welcome the opportunity to teach at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 7: Chemistry Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF CHEMISTRY TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Chemistry Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Chemistry/B.Sc. Chemistry and PGDE] and I am registered with TRCN.

For [number] years I have taught Chemistry at [School Name], with a strong focus on safe laboratory practice and exam-standard practicals. [A specific result, for example: my students recorded the school's best WAEC Chemistry results in five years.]

I would be pleased to contribute to your science department. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 8: Biology Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF BIOLOGY TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Biology Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Biology/B.Sc. Biology and PGDE] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught Biology to senior secondary students for [number] years at [School Name]. I use specimens, diagrams and field observation to make topics such as ecology and genetics practical. [A specific result or responsibility.]

I would welcome the chance to join your science department. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 9: Basic Science and Technology Teacher (Junior Secondary)

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF BASIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Basic Science and Technology Teacher at [School Name]. I hold an [NCE/B.Sc. (Ed.)] in [Integrated Science or related subject] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught Basic Science to JSS 1 to JSS 3 for [number] years, preparing students for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). I use simple experiments and everyday examples to build interest in science early.

I would be glad to support your junior secondary students. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 10: Economics Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ECONOMICS TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Economics Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Economics/B.Sc. Economics and PGDE] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught Economics to SS 1 to SS 3 for [number] years at [School Name]. I connect topics such as inflation, demand and supply to current Nigerian examples so students understand them, not just memorise them. [A specific result.]

I would welcome the opportunity to teach at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 11: Computer Studies or ICT Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF COMPUTER STUDIES TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Computer Studies Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. Computer Science/B.Sc. (Ed.) Computer Science] and [relevant certification, if any].

For [number] years I have taught Computer Studies and Data Processing at [School Name], and I manage the school's computer laboratory. I introduced [a specific initiative, for example: a coding club where JSS students build simple websites and Scratch games].

I would be glad to strengthen digital skills at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 12: French Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF FRENCH TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of French Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.A. (Ed.) French] and completed my year abroad at [Institution, for example the Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry].

I have taught French to [classes] for [number] years, using conversation, songs and short plays to build speaking confidence alongside grammar. [A specific result.]

I would welcome the chance to grow French at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 13: Nigerian Language Teacher (Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa)

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [YORUBA/IGBO/HAUSA] LANGUAGE TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of [Language] Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.A. (Ed.)/NCE] in [Language] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught [Language] language, literature and culture to [classes] for [number] years, preparing students for WAEC and NECO. I bring the subject to life through oral literature, proverbs and cultural days.

I would be glad to teach at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 14: Government and Civic Education Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF GOVERNMENT AND CIVIC EDUCATION TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Government and Civic Education Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Political Science/B.Sc. and PGDE] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught Government and Civic Education for [number] years at [School Name]. I run mock elections and debates so students see how institutions work in practice. [A specific result.]

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 15: Agricultural Science Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Agricultural Science Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Agric. and PGDE/B.Sc. (Ed.) Agricultural Science] and I am registered with TRCN.

For [number] years I have taught Agricultural Science and managed the school farm at [School Name], where students raise crops and poultry as part of their practicals. [A specific result.]

I would be pleased to bring this hands-on approach to [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 16: Physical and Health Education Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Physical and Health Education Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Sc. (Ed.) Human Kinetics/NCE Physical and Health Education] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have taught PHE for [number] years and coached the school's [sport] team to [achievement]. I also organise the annual inter-house sports competition.

I would welcome the opportunity to support students' health and sport at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Experience and Situation

Template 17: Fresh Graduate With No Teaching Experience

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [SUBJECT] TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of [Subject] Teacher at [School Name]. I recently graduated with a [degree and class] in [course] from [University], and I have completed my NYSC.

During my teaching practice at [School Name], I taught [subject] to [classes] for [number] weeks and received [a specific comment or grade from your supervisor]. I also [tutoring, lesson centre or volunteer teaching experience].

I am eager to learn, reliable and ready to take on extracurricular duties. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 18: NYSC Corps Member (Place of Primary Assignment)

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR A TEACHING POSITION AS A CORPS MEMBER

I am a serving corps member, [State Code], posted to [State], and I write to request a teaching position in your school as my place of primary assignment.

I graduated with a [degree] in [course] from [University] and can teach [subjects] to [junior/senior] classes. I am also willing to support [extracurricular activity].

My call-up letter and posting letter are attached. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve in your school.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[State Code]
[Phone Number]

Template 19: Unsolicited Application (No Advertised Vacancy)

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR A TEACHING POSITION

I write to ask whether there is a vacancy for a [Subject] Teacher at [School Name], now or in the coming session. I hold a [qualification] and I am registered with TRCN.

I have [number] years of experience teaching [subject] to [classes] at [School Name]. [One specific achievement.] I admire [something specific about the school, for example its results or its reputation for science].

I have attached my CV and would be grateful to be considered for any suitable opening.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 20: Special Needs Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF SPECIAL NEEDS TEACHER

I write to apply for the post of Special Needs Teacher at [School Name]. I hold a [B.Ed. Special Education] with specialisation in [area, for example learning disabilities] and I am registered with TRCN.

For [number] years I have supported learners with [conditions] at [School Name], writing individual education plans and working closely with parents and class teachers. [A specific outcome.]

I would welcome the opportunity to support inclusive learning at [School Name]. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Leadership and Higher Education

Template 21: Vice Principal or Head Teacher

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF [VICE PRINCIPAL/HEAD TEACHER]

I write to apply for the post of [Vice Principal/Head Teacher] at [School Name]. I hold a [degree] in [course] and a [M.Ed./PGDE], with [number] years of teaching experience, the last [number] as [current leadership role].

In that role I [specific leadership achievements, for example: supervised 25 teachers, introduced termly lesson observations, and raised the school's WAEC five-credit pass rate from 60% to 81%].

I would be glad to discuss how I can support your academic and administrative goals. My CV and credentials are attached.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

Template 22: Lecturer (University, Polytechnic or College of Education)

Dear Sir/Ma,

APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF LECTURER II IN THE DEPARTMENT OF [DEPARTMENT]

I write to apply for the post of Lecturer II in the Department of [Department], [Institution], as advertised [where]. I hold a [Ph.D./M.Sc.] in [field] from [University].

I have [number] years of teaching experience at [Institution], where I taught [courses] and supervised [number] undergraduate projects. I have published [number] papers in [field], including [one notable publication].

My CV, list of publications and credentials are attached. I would be glad to attend an interview at your convenience.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]

What Nigerian Schools Look For

• Qualifications and registration: An NCE is the minimum teaching qualification in Nigeria. Many private and secondary schools prefer a B.Ed. or a degree plus PGDE. Registration with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is expected for professional teachers.
• Subject results: Schools care about WAEC, NECO and BECE outcomes. Quote a pass rate or improvement if you have one.
• Extracurricular value: Coaching a team, running a club or managing a laboratory makes you more useful than a teacher who only teaches.
• Professionalism: A clean, correctly addressed, error-free letter is your first demonstration of the standard you will set for students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Sending the same letter everywhere. Name the school and the exact post in every letter.
• Leaving placeholders in. Read the letter once more before sending to remove every square bracket.
• Writing more than a page. Save the detail for your CV.
• Forgetting attachments. Attach your CV, credentials and TRCN certificate, and say so in the letter.
• Mixing up the closing. "Dear Sir/Ma" goes with "Yours faithfully". A named salutation goes with "Yours sincerely".

Tips by Type of School

• Private schools: Proprietors value results, discipline and extracurricular contributions. Expect a demonstration lesson as part of the interview.
• Public schools: Government teaching jobs are filled through recruitment exercises run by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for primary schools and the Teaching Service Commission for secondary schools. Follow the instructions in the official advertisement exactly.
• International schools: Mention any experience with the British (Cambridge IGCSE, A Level) or American curriculum, and your digital teaching skills.
• Universities and polytechnics: Your CV and publications matter more than the letter, so keep it short and precise.

Related Guides

• How to write a job application letter for a teaching job, a step-by-step guide to writing your own letter from scratch.
• CV format in Nigeria, to prepare the CV you attach to your letter.
• Teacher salary in Nigeria, to know what to expect before you negotiate.
• Teaching jobs in Nigeria, to find schools that are hiring now.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I write an application letter for a teaching job in Nigeria?

Use the formal layout: your address and the date at the top right, the school's address on the left, "Dear Sir/Ma", a subject line naming the post, three or four short paragraphs on your qualifications, experience and one achievement, then "Yours faithfully" with your name and phone number. Keep it to one page.

What should be the subject of a teaching application letter?

State the exact post, for example "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MATHEMATICS TEACHER". Write it in capitals or bold, directly under the salutation.

Should I include my TRCN number in my application letter?

Yes, if you are registered. Mention your TRCN registration in the paragraph about your qualifications and attach the certificate. Many schools treat it as a requirement for professional teaching posts.

Can I apply for a teaching job without teaching experience?

Yes. Lead with your qualification, your teaching practice during your degree, and any tutoring, lesson centre or NYSC teaching you have done. Template 17 above is written for this situation.

Who should I address a teaching application letter to?

Address it to the head of the school: "The Principal" for a secondary school, "The Head Teacher" for a primary school, or "The Proprietor" or "The Proprietress" for many private schools. For a university, address the Registrar unless the advertisement says otherwise.

How long should a teaching application letter be?

One page. Three or four short paragraphs are enough. Your CV carries the full detail of your education and experience.