The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has revealed that only 2.4 million teachers in the country have been certified as professional teachers, according to the council’s database. This announcement was made by Ugo-Ali Lawrence, the Director in charge of Planning, Research, and Statistics at TRCN, during the 2024 Teachers’ Day celebration in Abuja. This event was organized by the Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS-Nigeria) in partnership with Quality Education Development Associates (QEDA).
Lawrence emphasized that the TRCN has established a teaching license system, stating that without this license, individuals cannot be recognized as qualified teachers. He pointed out that many teachers, especially in private schools, are missing out on significant benefits by not taking the qualifying exams. These benefits include legal recognition to demand better pay from employers and the global acknowledgment that comes with being a certified teacher. Additionally, certified teachers can access professional development courses and are permanently registered in the council’s database.
During the Teachers’ Day event, Comrade Labaran Garba, the former Assistant National General Secretary and past Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Niger State, was honored for his contributions to the teaching profession. The Niger State Government praised Garba for his leadership and commitment to the NUT, especially as he recently retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age.
Lawrence further highlighted the council’s efforts in publishing a journal for Nigerian teachers, which is now in its seventh edition. This journal serves as a platform for teachers to share their research and insights with the broader education community. He called on development partners and the private sector to collaborate with TRCN to enhance the accreditation of teacher trainers throughout the country, as the council cannot accomplish this alone. Efforts are ongoing with various partners to improve the status and dignity of teachers.
At the celebration, 119 plaques and certificates were awarded to outstanding teachers and educational professionals who have made significant contributions to the teaching profession, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory. Dr. Neemat Daud-Abdulrahim, the Director of the FCT Education Resource Centre, expressed her gratitude for being recognized and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, especially in the FCT. She emphasized the importance of celebrating teachers and acknowledged their crucial role in national development.
Niger State Governor Alhaji Mohammed Bago, who was represented by the majority leader of the state House of Assembly, Alhaji Musa Vatsa, recognized the numerous challenges teachers face in their profession. He assured attendees that the state government is working diligently to address these issues. Bago announced that half of the next year’s budget would be allocated to the development of the education sector, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving educational resources and support for teachers.
