The Federal Ministry of Education has released a new policy mandating all teachers in the country to registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

According to FG, all teachers must obtain a licence from TRCN before teaching as part of efforts to raise teaching standards and improve education outcomes nationwide.

The Ministry stated this in a statement released on Sunday via its official X handle.

Under the new framework, NTI will focus on in-service training and community-based professional development programmes, while TRCN will handle the regulation and licensing of teachers across Nigeria.

Education Minister Dr. Maruf Alausa unveiled fresh guidelines for both agencies, covering teacher registration, professional development, compliance monitoring, welfare, and curriculum standards.

“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 had earlier directed secondary schools to ensure that their teachers are properly certified, warning that uncertified schools will lose accreditation to serve as examination centres.

Starting in 2027, accreditation for both public and private schools to host public examinations — including WASSCE, NABTEB, NECO, and NBIAS — will be strictly tied to teachers’ TRCN certification.