…embarks on reform of TRCN, NTI
The Federal Government has embarked on a reform of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).
The reform is aimed at strengthening professionalism and quality in Nigeria’s education sector. The reform also aims to streamline education delivery, enhance teacher welfare, and enforce discipline in the profession.
Announcing the changes in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the move was part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda to ensure that every Nigerian child is taught by a properly trained, certified, and licensed teacher.
Under the new framework, the Minister explained that NTI would return strictly to its core mandate of in-service teacher training and continuous professional development, while TRCN would now focus exclusively on regulating the teaching profession and licensing qualified practitioners.
He added that, “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.”
He added that TRCN’s mandate would now include enforcing ethics and discipline, integrating operations with the national Education Management Information System, and strengthening compliance nationwide.
Similarly, NTI would serve as the national implementing body for distance-based teacher training programmes, ensuring that all its courses align with approved education standards and frameworks.
The Minister also disclosed that new welfare terms and operational guidelines had been introduced, covering teacher licensing, registration, professional development, monitoring, curriculum standards, and welfare benefits.
Calling the reform “a big day for the Nigerian child,” Dr. Alausa said the restructuring would sustain progress in teacher quality, improve learning outcomes, and restore dignity to the profession.
“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. It is Renewed Hope in action,” he declared.