The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has made an urgent appeal to the Federal Government to reverse its recent decision to cease funding for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). This call to action was voiced by NUT’s National President, Audu Amba, during the public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja. According to Amba, the TRCN is essential for the advancement and Regulation of the teaching profession in Nigeria. “The council is critical to the development of the teaching profession in the country and, as such, stopping its funding is inimical to growth,” he emphasized.
Amba expressed his concern that while major attention is given to other sectors, the teaching profession, which serves as the foundation for all other fields, is often overlooked and underfunded. “TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalizes everyone who teaches at the primary, secondary, and university levels,” he elaborated. “We woke up overnight to hear that the Federal Government has stopped funding the TRCN. I have not seen anywhere in the world where a regulatory body that should regulate the teaching profession is not funded. Do we really mean business when doing this?” He asked if the government is insinuating that teachers are inconsequential. While stating that the body will not relent, he stated that they will agitate and make sure the government funds the council.
Need to address council’s role in instructional leadership.
Registrar and Chief Executive of the council, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, also underscored the council’s significance during the presentation. He revealed that the review of the Professional Standards for School Leadership was conducted to align with the evolving instructional roles of school leaders and to also provide a comprehensive guiding framework that addresses the contemporary challenges and opportunities within the Education system. He further explained that while the existing professional standards primarily focus on the administrative responsibilities of school leaders, there is an increasing need to establish standards that also address their critical role in instructional leadership.
“This charges them with the responsibility to provide professional learning for teachers, which is considered the most effective type of leadership practice for improving student learning outcomes. The document is setting the stage for a transformative impact on the educational landscape of Nigeria,” Ajiboye stated. In addition to the NUT’s and TRCN’s positions, Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria. He highlighted various teachers’ schemes as pivotal strategies in this effort, although the cessation of the funding seems to contradict this commitment.
Establishment and functions of the regulating body.
Established under the TRCN Act CAP T3 of 2004, the council is responsible for the regulation and control of the teaching profession at all levels of the Nigerian educational system, both in the public and private sectors. It aims to ensure that teaching in Nigeria meets international standards by providing registration, licensing, and Professional Development for teachers. The council also plays a vital role in accrediting Teacher education programs in universities and colleges of education, ensuring that they produce highly qualified educators.
One of its key functions is to promote continuous professional development among teachers. This includes organizing workshops, seminars, and training programs to keep teachers abreast of new teaching methods, educational technologies, and pedagogical advancements. By doing so, the council helps to maintain high standards of teaching and learning in Nigerian schools, ultimately benefiting students. The importance of the regulating body cannot be overstated in a country where education is the bedrock of national development. Quality learning is essential for producing skilled manpower, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth.
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Teachers are the cornerstone of this process, and their professional development and regulation are crucial for achieving educational excellence. Hence, the decision to halt TRCN funding is a threat to the quality of education in Nigeria. Also, the lack of funding could lead to a decline in the quality of teacher education programs, as the council may struggle to carry out its accreditation duties effectively. This could result in the proliferation of substandard teacher education programs, producing inadequately trained teachers who may be ill-equipped to handle the challenges of modern-day classrooms. Consequently, students’ learning outcomes may suffer, affecting the overall educational attainment of the nation. Moreover, the funding cessation could demoralize teachers, who may feel undervalued and unsupported.