NIGERIA EDUCATION: How Do I Become A Certified Teacher?

Teacher with students

The education sector of Nigeria has experienced a lot of ups and downs, both at the Federal and State levels, which has made it seem as though those at the helm of affairs are nonchalant towards developing the sector.

With regards to acquiring formal or Western education, Nigeria has a very high patronage, but with this high acquisition of knowledge, the sector is still being faced with a lot of challenges as though the professionals in the sector do not bring their expertise to bear.

Nigeria’s educational policies are among the best in the world, yet, we do not have proper planning for implementation. Over three decades ago, it was a pride to be a teacher, and only those who had passion for it availed themselves. Teachers were well trained, and they gave their best to work.

Today’s proliferation of teachers both at the primary and post-primary levels is due to the high unemployment rate in the country.

The regulatory body of the teaching profession in Nigeria is the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) which was established by the TRCN Decree No. 31 of 1993 (now TRCN Act CAP T3 of 2004)

Formerly, the prerequisite for registering with the professional body was the presentation of certificates, but the new trend as stated by the TRCN Director of professional operations, Dr Steve Nwokocha, is that teachers will have to sit for the professional qualifying examinations.

This simply means that, without a teacher passing the qualifying examinations, such one cannot be registered. In accordance to this, the Lagos State Commissioner for Education Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye said that teachers would no longer be employed in the state without the TRCN certificate and those already in service will not be promoted until they present the TRCN certificate.

The renewal of the teachers’ licence is subject to passing the professional examination, thus, upholding the dignity of the body.

To be registered, you need a qualification in education obtainable from an accredited institution, after which you can obtain the registration form from any TRCN zonal offices, fill and submit same along with photocopies of your credentials including the original copy of the deposit slip.

Get certified, to avoid being embarrassed.