FED. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MANDATES ALL TEACHERS TO BE FULLY CERTIFIED BY 2026/2027 ACADEMIC SESSION

opeolumartinMarch 27, 2026March 27, 202603 mins

Ibadan, Nigeria, March 27, 2026

Concerns over the presence of unqualified individuals in classrooms, as well as the urgent need to strengthen professionalism in Nigeria’s education sector, have led to a renewed regulatory push by the Federal Ministry of Education.

In a recent directive, the Ministry announced that all teachers across the country must be fully certified and licensed before the end of the 2026/2027 academic session. The policy is aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent educators are entrusted with the responsibility of teaching in Nigerian schools.

The directive will be enforced by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), the statutory body responsible for regulating and controlling the teaching profession in the country. Under this mandate, teachers are required to register, obtain, or renew their professional licences through the Council’s official portal. Each licence will remain valid for a period of three years, after which renewal will be necessary to maintain active status.

In addition to strengthening standards within the country, the Council has introduced measures to enhance the global competitiveness of Nigerian teachers. Certified educators seeking employment opportunities abroad will now be eligible to receive Letters of Professional Standing, a move designed to facilitate international recognition and mobility.

As part of the new regulatory framework, a mandatory induction programme will be introduced as a prerequisite for full registration. This initiative is intended to better prepare teachers for professional practice and uphold the quality of education nationwide.

Furthermore, the Council emphasized that individuals with criminal records will be disqualified from registration, underscoring its commitment to maintaining integrity, discipline, and high ethical standards within the teaching profession.

Education stakeholders have described the directive as a significant step toward improving the quality of teaching and learning in Nigeria, as well as restoring public confidence in the nation’s education system.