FG realigns TRCN, NTI for teachers’ professionalism

The Federal Government has announced a sweeping reform in the education sector, realigning the roles of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) to enhance teacher professionalism and improve learning outcomes across the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji […]

The Federal Government has announced a sweeping reform in the education sector, realigning the roles of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) to enhance teacher professionalism and improve learning outcomes across the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the restructuring aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda and reflects the Ministry’s commitment to delivering high-quality education to every Nigerian child.

Under the new framework, the NTI will focus solely on in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at foundational, basic, and post-basic levels.

Meanwhile, TRCN will take full charge of regulating the teaching profession, including licensing qualified teachers nationwide.

• ‘African airlines will survive if 10% of Africans travel within’
• Sudan’s paramilitary drones hit key army positions

“Going forward, no teacher will be allowed to stand before a Nigerian classroom without proper registration and licensing by TRCN. This ensures that every child is taught by competent, professional teachers who meet the highest standards,” Dr. Alausa said.

The minister disclosed that both agencies now operate under revised guidelines aimed at improving governance, oversight, and accountability.

For TRCN, the reforms include mandatory registration and licensing, integration with the national Education Management Information System, and stricter enforcement of ethics and discipline.

NTI, on its part, will serve as the national implementing body for distance-based teacher training programmes, ensuring alignment with approved standards.

Dr. Alausa described the reform as “a big day for the Nigerian child,” adding that the changes will sustain progress in teacher quality and educational outcomes.

“This reform is about results and sustainability. It is about building a future where Nigerian children are taught by the best, prepared for the best, and supported by the best. We are consolidating progress to ensure sustainability, capability, and accountability in our teaching workforce. It is Renewed Hope in action,” he said.

The ministry also announced new welfare terms and operational guidelines for both agencies, covering areas such as teacher licensing and registration, professional development requirements, monitoring and compliance mechanisms, teacher welfare and benefits, and curriculum and professional practice standards.

The ministry assured Nigerians that it will continue to monitor implementation closely and work with state governments, private proprietors, and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the reform.