Lagos State Teachers Recruitment 2026: Complete Application Guide

Who Recruits Teachers in Lagos State?

Teacher recruitment in Lagos State is handled by two primary bodies depending on the level you want to teach. Both operate under the Lagos State Ministry of Education but manage separate recruitment cycles.

TESCOM (Teaching Service Commission): Responsible for recruitment, promotion, discipline, and welfare of teachers in Lagos State public SECONDARY schools. Announces vacancies through the Ministry of Education and Lagos State Civil Service Commission.

SUBEB (Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board): Handles teacher recruitment for public PRIMARY schools and Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 1-3). Typically recruits under the Universal Basic Education (UBE) intervention funds.

Know which board handles your target grade level — applying to the wrong one wastes your application. Secondary school teaching = TESCOM. Primary + JSS = SUBEB.

Subjects & Categories in Demand

Lagos State recruits teachers across the full secondary school curriculum, but certain subjects are perpetually under-supplied. Applicants in these areas have significantly higher odds of selection:

Science subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Agricultural Science. Lagos has a chronic shortage of qualified science teachers.

Technical subjects: Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Metalwork, Basic Electronics, Home Economics, and Food & Nutrition. Many TVET schools need these.

Commercial subjects: Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, Office Practice, Economics, Book-Keeping.

Language subjects: English Language, Literature, French (high demand), Yoruba, and Arabic.

Lesser-demand but recruited: Christian Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Social Studies, Civic Education, Music, Fine Art, Physical and Health Education.

If you have a teaching qualification in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Further Mathematics, your chances of being shortlisted are significantly higher than applicants in over-supplied subjects like English or History.

Eligibility Requirements

Education: You must hold a minimum of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelor's in Education (B.Ed), or B.Sc/B.A with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Degrees without PGDE are NOT accepted — TESCOM is strict on this.

Subject alignment: Your degree subject must match a subject on the Lagos State curriculum. For example, a B.Sc. Biochemistry is typically insufficient for a Biology teaching position unless backed by PGDE in Biology Education.

TRCN registration: You must be registered (or registrable) with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Registration is free for applicants who meet the qualification criteria.

NYSC: Completion of NYSC or valid exemption required. Service year teachers are not absorbed automatically — you must formally apply during recruitment cycles.

Age: Preferred 22-40. Older applicants may still be considered if they bring exceptional experience.

State of Residence: Lagos State gives preference to residents, but does NOT require Lagos indigeneship. Applicants from other states are welcome to apply.

Character: No criminal record. Character references from two credible people (including one educator) required at final screening.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Step 1: Watch for the official announcement. TESCOM and SUBEB recruitment announcements appear on the Lagos State Government website (lagosstate.gov.ng), the Ministry of Education social media pages, and major Lagos newspapers (Punch, Guardian, Nation).

Step 2: Assemble your documents: NIN, B.Ed or NCE certificate, PGDE (if applicable), B.Sc./B.A. degree, SSCE result, NYSC certificate or exemption, TRCN registration slip, passport photograph, and a detailed CV listing teaching experience.

Step 3: Register on the designated portal. Lagos State typically uses a dedicated recruitment portal under lagosstate.gov.ng. Create an account using your main email address.

Step 4: Complete the application form. Select your subject specialization, preferred LGA, and grade level (for TESCOM: JSS or SSS; for SUBEB: primary or JSS).

Step 5: Upload documents and submit. Download the acknowledgement slip.

Step 6: Wait for screening invitation. TESCOM typically conducts written aptitude tests covering the candidate's subject area, English, Mathematics, Current Affairs, and General Pedagogy.

Step 7: Attend the screening at your assigned centre. Bring originals of ALL documents plus 2 passport photographs.

Step 8: If shortlisted after the test, prepare for the interview. Come with lesson plan samples for your subject area — this demonstrates practical teaching ability.

Lagos Teachers Salary & Benefits

Entry-level grade (Grade Level 07) teacher in Lagos State earns approximately ₦68,000 – ₦85,000 per month as basic salary, depending on qualification level.

Allowances: Lagos State pays teaching allowance, transport allowance, and housing allowance on top of basic. Effective take-home is typically ₦90,000 – ₦120,000 monthly at entry.

Progression: Promotions happen every 3-4 years based on performance evaluation, annual appraisal, and passing promotion examinations. Senior teachers (Level 13+) earn ₦250,000+ monthly.

Benefits: Contributory pension (paid into RSA), National Health Insurance, study leave with pay for further qualifications, annual leave allowance.

Job security: Public teaching is stable — the hardest part is getting in. Once confirmed after the 2-year probation period, dismissal requires a formal disciplinary process.