Nigeria’s education sector is facing growing pressure as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to enforce compulsory teacher certification amid a shortage of qualified teachers.
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is pushing for nationwide compliance, with substantial compliance targeted for 2026 and full implementation scheduled for 2027. Schools that fail to meet the requirements risk being barred from participating in external examinations conducted by bodies such as WAEC and NECO.
According to a report by The Guardian, Nigeria needs about 278,000 additional teachers in the basic education sector, while declining enrolment in teacher-training institutions raises concerns about future recruitment.
The certification policy is designed to improve professional standards and ensure that qualified personnel handle classroom teaching. However, teachers have raised concerns about registration costs, additional training requirements and technical difficulties with the online registration portal.
Education stakeholders have warned that certification alone cannot resolve the crisis, stressing the need for improved teachers’ welfare, better working conditions, increased recruitment and greater investment in schools.
With the implementation deadline approaching, the government faces the challenge of strengthening professional standards without worsening existing teacher shortages.