By Felix Khanoba
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has faulted the decision of the Federal Government to halt funding for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Speaking at the public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja on Thursday, NUT National President Audu Amba described the decision as detrimental to the development of the teaching profession in Nigeria.
“TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalizes everyone teaching in primary, secondary, and university levels,” Amba stated. “We woke up overnight to the news that the federal government has decided to stop funding TRCN. I have never seen anywhere in the world where a regulatory body for the teaching profession is not funded. Do we really mean business when doing this?”
Amba criticized the government for prioritizing other sectors while neglecting the teaching profession, which he described as the backbone of national development.
“Are we saying that teachers are inconsequential? We, as leaders of teachers, will not allow this to go unchallenged. We will agitate and ensure the government funds TRCN because we have come a long way as a leading country in Africa; we cannot afford to regress,” he declared.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman pledged Federal Government committed towards implementing teachers scheme as a way of improving the quality of education in the country.
Mamman acknowledged the roles of teachers in developing value system at the heart of learners, hence the need to support their crucial roles.
He pledged the commitment of the federal government to providing necessary resources, training, and support to help them succeed in their profession.
The Minister maintained that the professional standards would serve as a comprehensive framework designed to support and enhance the effectiveness of school leadership.
He said the standards were not merely guidelines, but a vision of what exemplary leadership should be by providing a clear pathway for professional growth and institutional success.
“To our school leaders, we want to say this, our work is at the heart of our educational mission. You have the power to inspire, to innovate, and to make a lasting difference in the lives of countless students.
“These standards are here to guide, support and challenge you to reach new heights. Embrace them with the passion and dedication that defines your leadership.
“Let us all commit to upholding these standards, not as a set of rules, but as a shared vision of excellence.
“Together, we can build an education system that do not only meets the needs of today but anticipates and prepares for the challenges of tomorrow.
On his part, TRCN Registrar and Chief Executive Prof. Josiah Ajiboye highlighted the significance of the Professional Standards for School Leadership, which were reviewed to address the evolving instructional roles of school leaders.
“The review was undertaken to provide a comprehensive guiding framework that addresses contemporary challenges and opportunities within the education system,” Ajiboye explained. “While the existing standards emphasize the administrative responsibilities of school leaders, there was a need to establish comprehensive standards that address their crucial role in instructional leadership.”
Ajiboye emphasized that the new standards will promote continuous improvement, professional growth, and accountability among school leaders. “This document is setting the stage for a transformative impact on the educational landscape of Nigeria,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director Programmes, British Council, Chikodi Onyemerela, effective school leadership would invariably create an effective learning environment that students could benefit from.
Onyemerela said that school leadership was an indispensable outcomes of the whole school system.
The professional standards comprised five core domains which are: promoting school improvement and innovation and leading teaching and learning.
Others are developing self and others, leading and managing the school and engaging and working with the community.
