The Federal Government has called on the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to intensify efforts in sanitising the education sector by weeding out unqualified teachers and upholding professional standards across the country.
This directive was issued by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, where he stressed the need for professionalism in teaching as a catalyst for national development.
Represented by the Director of Education Support Services, Justina Ibe, the Minister urged the TRCN to continue enforcing its regulatory mandate by ensuring that only certified and competent teachers are allowed in classrooms nationwide.
We must restore dignity and excellence to the teaching profession,” he said, emphasizing that the council must not relent in its efforts to improve learning outcomes by promoting qualified personnel.
Also speaking, Chairman of TRCN’s Governing Board, Prof. Josiah Saliu, reiterated the council’s commitment to transforming the profession for the benefit of both learners and the country. He called on members of the council to work diligently and uphold ethical standards in the discharge of their duties.
Prof. Saliu also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate funding for TRCN, citing challenges facing the council since the withdrawal of budgetary allocations.
He noted that “adequate funding, especially for staff salaries, will greatly boost morale and enhance service delivery.”
It will be recalled that in 2023, the Federal Government announced it would stop budgetary allocations to professional bodies and councils starting from January 2024, following recommendations by the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS).
A memo issued by the Budget Office of the Federation, dated June 26, 2023 with reference number DG/BDT/GEN. CORR/2016/XII/3067, communicated the decision to affected bodies.
The letter stated:
“The Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS), at its 13th meeting, approved the discontinuation of budgetary allocation to Professional Bodies/Councils effective January 1, 2024… You will be required, effective January 1, 2024, to be fully responsible for your personnel, overhead, and capital expenditures.”
The directive affected councils such as the TRCN, Computer Registration Council, and Librarians Registration Council, among others—who are now expected to operate as self-funded entities.
TRCN Restates Commitment to Professionalism
Reacting to the development, TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, lauded President Tinubu and the Education Minister for prioritising education reforms.
She reaffirmed TRCN’s dedication to working with stakeholders to ensure that Nigerian teachers are professionally competent, globally recognised, and capable of delivering quality education.
“Our goal remains to elevate the teaching profession and position Nigerian teachers for competitiveness in the global education space,” she said.
The renewed drive comes amid broader reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of education and ensuring the right foundation for national development