FG Sets 2027 Deadline: Only TRCN-Certified Teachers Allowed In Classrooms

THE Federal Ministry of Education has announced strict enforcement measures to ensure only licensed teachers are allowed to teach in Nigerian secondary schools.

Unveiling new guidelines in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, said all teachers in both public and private schools must be registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

The reforms, scheduled to take effect in 2027, set deadlines for compliance: March for WASSCE, May for NABTEB, and June for NECO and SAISSCE. Schools that fail to meet the requirement will lose accreditation to serve as examination centres.

Under the new framework, TRCN will handle teacher licensing and regulation, while NTI will focus on in-service training and community-based professional development.

“No teacher will stand before a Nigerian classroom without TRCN registration and licensing,” Alausa said. “This guarantees competent and professional teaching for every child. Nigerian children will be taught, prepared, and supported by the best.”

The ministry stressed that the reform aims to enhance teacher quality, strengthen compliance monitoring, and improve education standards nationwide.