The Federal Government has introduced a new policy requiring every teacher in Nigeria to obtain certification from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) before being allowed to work in classrooms.
The Ministry of Education explained that the move is intended to raise professional standards, improve teacher training, and guarantee high-quality education nationwide. Under the plan, the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) will handle in-service training and community-based professional development, while the TRCN will oversee regulation and licensing of teaching staff.
Speaking at the unveiling of the policy framework in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, said the era of unlicensed teachers is coming to an end.
“No one will be allowed to stand before a Nigerian classroom without TRCN registration and licensing,” he said. “This reform will ensure competent and professional teaching for every child. It is about results, sustainability and giving Nigerian children the best.”
According to the guidelines, the policy also covers registration, compliance monitoring, teachers’ welfare, curriculum standards and opportunities for continuous professional development.
From 2027, only schools whose teachers hold valid TRCN certification will be accredited to serve as examination centres for WASSCE, NECO, NABTEB and NBIAS. The Minister warned that teachers or institutions that fail to comply risk losing their accreditation.
Government officials stressed that the reform is part of efforts to professionalise teaching, strengthen accountability and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s education system.
