Schools Resumption: FG Bans Unregistered Teachers, Mandates TRCN Certification

Sep 15, 2025

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As primary and secondary schools reopen for the 2025/2026 academic session today, the Federal Government has banned teachers without certification from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) from teaching in classrooms.

The decision was contained in a press release issued on Sunday by the Federal Ministry of Education via its official X handle, where it also announced a realignment of the roles of the TRCN and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) to enhance professionalism and strengthen education delivery nationwide.

According to the new directive, the NTI will now focus primarily on in-service training and community professional development programmes, while the TRCN will be solely responsible for regulating and licensing teachers across the country.

Unveiling the reform, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, stressed that no teacher would henceforth be allowed to teach without proper registration and licensing.
“No teacher will stand before a Nigerian classroom without TRCN registration and licensing.

This guarantees competent and professional teaching for every child,” Alausa said.

“This reform is about results and sustainability. Nigerian children will be taught by the best, prepared for the best, and supported by the best. It is Renewed Hope in action.”

The minister further emphasized that the reforms cover teacher registration, professional development, compliance monitoring, welfare, and curriculum standards.

He recalled that the ministry had earlier warned school proprietors—especially at the secondary school level—to ensure their teachers are fully certified.

Beginning from 2027, accreditation of both public and private secondary schools to serve as centres for public examinations—including WASSCE, NECO, NABTEB, and NBIAS—will be strictly tied to compliance with TRCN certification.

The move, according to the ministry, is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to professionalize teaching, improve quality standards, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s education system.