TRCN raises alarm over shortage of qualified Teachers in Nigeria

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has expressed concern over the growing shortage of qualified teachers across the country, describing it as a major factor contributing to the decline in educational standards.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, made this known on Monday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief in commemoration of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”

Dr. Soyombo lamented that while many individuals are currently teaching without the required professional qualifications, others with genuine passion for the profession are unable to join due to lack of certification.

“There are many unqualified teachers in the profession, especially in private schools. Some are teaching in classrooms without the necessary teaching qualifications,” she said. “It’s one thing to attend a teachers’ college and another to be able to connect with students and meet their specific learning needs.”

She revealed that the Council was taking concrete steps to address the situation through accelerated programmes aimed at attracting more qualified teachers. “We currently have about 1.4 million teachers registered with the TRCN, and our target in the next two years is to reach 20 million. We have digitised our registration system to make it easier for teachers to enrol,” she stated.

Dr. Soyombo emphasised the importance of collaboration among educators, noting that joint lesson planning and shared classroom experiences would enhance teaching quality. “When teachers plan lessons together, they come up with richer and more effective ideas than when they work in isolation,” she explained.

She further underscored the need for students to learn collaboration from their teachers, adding that 21st-century education demands teamwork and inclusivity in learning environments.

On government intervention, the TRCN boss disclosed that the current administration was working to bridge the teacher deficit through an accelerated professional diploma in education. “For those without education degrees, we have reduced the duration of the diploma to six months for experienced teachers. This will help us bring more qualified hands into the profession,” she said.

Dr. Soyombo also highlighted the Council’s efforts to support teachers with classroom resources and continuous professional development initiatives.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, joined in celebrating teachers globally, describing them as “true heroes who shape minds, nurture dreams, and guide generations.” She called for renewed global efforts to address the teacher shortage challenge and improve the welfare of educators.