In a move to sanitise the teaching profession, the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) in collaboration with the United Kingdom-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria have launched a digitised portal for the purpose of registering and granting professional licenses to qualified teachers in the country.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad at the unveiling ceremony held in Abuja on Monday, informed that the launch of the portal will not only lead to the digitisation of records but will also provide a credible database of Nigerian teachers.
“Today, we are not merely unveiling a portal; we are opening a new chapter. A chapter where technology, innovation, and efficiency become the heartbeat of teacher professionalism in our country. In a world that is increasingly digital, where knowledge travels at the speed of light and where nations are competing through ideas, skills, and creativity, Nigeria cannot afford to remain behind.
“To build the future we dream of, we must embrace the tools of the 21st century. Through the creation of this portal, TRCN is not merely digitising records; it is redefining the narrative of the Nigerian teaching profession.
“With this innovation, we will now: ensure seamless registration and licensing of teachers nationwide; provide a transparent and credible database of qualified professionals; enable real-time access to professional development opportunities and strengthen accountability and restore dignity in the teaching profession”, she said.
On his part, Senior Education Advisor, British High Commission, Ian Attfield, stressed that teachers need to be adequately trained and motivated in the course of duty.
“The UK government, through the FCDO PLANE programme, has been delighted to work with TRCN on the development of the portal, but also, I think more broadly, looking at their strategic vision and plan over the next few years”, he said.
Attfield informed that there were lots of different types of teachers, Suban teachers, teachers, communities, volunteering in faith-based education, lots of teachers who are under- or unqualified at teaching in various forms of low-cost private schools.
“So, the diversity means that these systems need to be integrated, they need to be smart, but they also need to be motivated”, he said.
He therefore assured that the UK government would continue to offer support to Nigeria’s education sector.
