The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged the Federal Government to reverse its decision to halt funding for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

During the public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja yesterday, NUT National President Audu Amba emphasized the council’s crucial role in developing the teaching profession. Amba argued that discontinuing funding for TRCN is detrimental to the profession’s growth.

“TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalizes everyone who teaches in primary, secondary, and universities,” Amba stated.

“We woke up overnight to hear that the Federal Government has stopped funding the TRCN. I have not seen anywhere in the world where a regulatory body that should regulate the teaching profession is not funded. Do we really mean business when doing this? Are we saying that teachers are inconsequential? We will not allow it to go as leaders of teachers. We will agitate and make sure the government funds TRCN because we have gone a long way as the leading country in Africa, so we can’t be seen retracting back.”

Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN, highlighted the need to review the Professional Standards for School Leadership to reflect the evolving roles of school leaders. The revised standards aim to provide a comprehensive framework addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities within the education system.

“This charges them with the responsibility to provide professional learning for teachers, which is considered the most effective type of leadership practice for improving student learning outcomes,” Prof. Ajiboye said. “The document is setting the stage for a transformative impact on the educational landscape of Nigeria.”

Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing teachers’ schemes to enhance the quality of education in the country.