The Federal Government has announced a sweeping reform aimed at professionalizing the teaching profession, declaring that all secondary school teachers must be certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) or risk disqualification of their schools from serving as centres for major public examinations.
The directive was issued on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a memo addressed to the TRCN Registrar. According to the policy, beginning in 2027, accreditation of schools to host examinations such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), NECO, NABTEB, and the National Business and Technical Examinations will depend on teachers being duly registered and licensed by the TRCN.
The minister outlined specific deadlines: March 2027 for WASSCE, May 2027 for NABTEB, and June 2027 for both NECO and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board.
“Any school whose teachers are not duly registered and licensed with the TRCN shall be disqualified from serving as an examination centre,” Alausa warned.
To allow for a smooth transition, the government has provided a two-year compliance window. By 2026, schools are expected to achieve at least 75% compliance, and full compliance by 2027. State governments have been urged to ensure that both public and private secondary schools meet the requirement.
Recognizing that not all current teachers are education graduates, the minister pointed to an alternative pathway through an abridged certification programme at the National Teachers Institute (NTI). The course, which lasts between three and six months, will enable teachers with a minimum of 12 months classroom experience to qualify for TRCN registration and licensing.
Dr. Alausa stressed the importance of wide sensitization and stakeholder cooperation to prevent disruptions in the accreditation of schools for public examinations. He noted that the policy represents one of the most significant steps yet toward institutionalizing professionalism in Nigeria’s education system.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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