The Federal Ministry of Education has directed that all teachers across Nigeria must be fully certified and licensed before the end of the 2026/2027 academic session, in a decisive move to sanitise the education sector and strengthen professionalism.
The directive, which will be enforced by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, follows mounting concerns over the presence of unqualified individuals in classrooms and the need to uphold teaching standards nationwide.
Under the new policy, only professionally trained and certified educators will be permitted to teach in Nigerian schools. Teachers are required to access the Council’s official portal to obtain or renew their licences, which will remain valid for three years.
In a move aimed at expanding global opportunities for Nigerian teachers, the Council will issue Letters of Professional Standing to certified educators seeking employment abroad. The initiative is expected to enhance the international mobility and competitiveness of Nigerian teaching professionals.
To further reinforce quality assurance, a mandatory induction programme has been introduced as a prerequisite for full registration. This will ensure that teachers are adequately prepared and aligned with the ethical and professional standards of the profession.
Additionally, individuals with criminal records will be disqualified from registration, a measure designed to safeguard the integrity of the education system and protect learners.
The development underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s education sector by ensuring that only qualified, competent, and credible professionals are entrusted with teaching responsibilities.
