FG Drops New Rule: No TRCN License, No Teaching in Nigerian Schools

FG Drops New Rule: No TRCN License, No Teaching in Nigerian Schools

The Federal Ministry of Education, led by Dr Tunji Alausa, has introduced a major policy aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education system, mandating that all teachers in both public and private secondary schools must be fully registered and licensed by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

This move is designed to eliminate unqualified teachers from classrooms and ensure that every Nigerian student is taught by a properly trained and certified professional.

Under this new policy, no teacher will be allowed to teach in any secondary school without TRCN certification. This requirement applies nationwide and cuts across both government-owned and private institutions.

The directive goes beyond just registration; it introduces strict compliance measures that directly affect schools:

- Schools must have at least 75% TRCN-certified teachers by the end of 2026

- Full (100%) compliance is expected by 2027

- Schools that fail to meet these requirements risk losing accreditation as examination centres for major exams like WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB

In simple terms, if a school does not meet the certification requirement, it may no longer be allowed to conduct key national examinations.

According to the Ministry, the directive is part of a broader effort to:

- Professionalise the teaching sector

- Improve the quality of education

- Restore public confidence in Nigerian schools

Education authorities have long raised concerns about the presence of unqualified or underqualified teachers, especially in private schools. By making TRCN licensing mandatory, the government aims to ensure that teaching is recognised as a regulated profession, on par with law or medicine.

Dr Alausa emphasised that the reform is about raising standards and ensuring that only competent educators are allowed in classrooms.

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) will play a central role in implementing this policy. Its responsibilities include:

- Registering qualified teachers

- Issuing teaching licences

- Maintaining professional standards

- Monitoring compliance across schools

Meanwhile, the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) will support teachers by providing training and certification programmes, especially for those who need to upgrade their qualifications.

Teachers without education degrees can still qualify through relevant training programmes, ensuring that the policy is inclusive while maintaining standards.

Additionally, TRCN has improved its digital registration system, making it easier for teachers to register, renew licences, and update records.