The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria has identified a shortage of professional teachers as a major problem in the country’s education system. In an effort to address this issue, the council has removed more than 7,000 unqualified teachers from schools in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states. The council noted that finding dedicated and competent teachers has become increasingly difficult, and this has harmed the quality of education.
During a workshop in Abuja, the council’s registrar, Josiah Ajiboye, stressed the importance of teacher training for improving the education sector of a nation. The workshop, titled “Strengthening Teacher Education: Challenges and Opportunities in Basic Education Sub-sector in Nigeria,” focused on addressing these issues.
Ajiboye also revealed that the council had taken action against the 7,000 unqualified teachers in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states as part of its efforts to combat the problem.
TRCN’s Registrar Prof Ajiboye noted that: “Universally, teachers are key players in the education sector of any nation. However, the challenge with Nigerian Education was largely attributed to poor teaching, where experienced professional teachers who are highly committed, dedicated and virile were difficult to find in our schools.
“Therefore, the Council in fulfilling its mandates which involve innovations in public policies to upscale the dignity, rewards and recognition of the teaching profession in Nigeria, took some practical steps to salvage the situation.”
Josiah Ajiboye disclosed that several steps have been taken to improve the education sector in Nigeria. One of these steps includes the development of a policy that facilitates career advancement, extends the years of service for teachers from 60 to 65 years, and provides incentives to eligible teachers.
Additionally, digital literacy training and remote learning opportunities have been made available to 22,500 teachers across 16 states, and over 2.3 million teachers have been registered with various benefits. During a workshop for education correspondents, Ajiboye emphasized the importance of showcasing the positive aspects of Nigeria’s education system to the world and called upon the media to help with this endeavour.
“The Council requests ECAN to sustain its collaborative efforts at transforming the teaching profession in Nigeria. We are willing and open to always partnering with you.
“We are not yet where we would like to be but steps are being taken in the right direction and soon the tide of the teaching profession will change for the better and your names will be written among those that made it possible,” he said.
