The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged the Federal Government to reverse its decision to cease funding the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Speaking at the public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja, NUT National President Audu Amba highlighted the adverse effects of the decision, emphasizing the council’s vital role in developing the teaching profession in Nigeria.
“TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalizes everyone teaching in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. We were shocked to learn that the federal government has decided to stop funding the TRCN,” Amba stated.
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Amba criticized the move, questioning the commitment to the teaching profession.
“I’ve never seen any country where a regulatory body for the teaching profession is not funded. Are we serious about this?” he asked.
He stressed that while other sectors receive significant attention, the teaching profession often receives only lip service despite its critical role.
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“Are we saying that teachers are inconsequential? As leaders of teachers, we won’t let this slide. We’ll push for government funding for TRCN because we’ve come a long way as the leading country in Africa, and we can’t afford to regress,” he asserted.
Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, noted that the review of the Professional Standards for School Leadership was conducted to address the evolving instructional roles of school leaders and the current challenges within the education system.
“The existing standards focus on administrative responsibilities, but there’s a need for comprehensive standards addressing instructional leadership. This ensures school leaders are equipped to provide professional learning for teachers, improving student learning outcomes,” Ajiboye explained.
He added that the new standards aim to foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability among school leaders, setting the stage for a transformative impact on Nigeria’s educational landscape.
