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TEACHERS’ REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (TRCN) The TRCN

Act 31 of 1993,

Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria otherwise known as TRCN is an agency

of the Federal Ministry of Education, Nigeria. The Act for the establishment of the
Council was enacted in 1993 through a decree 31 of 1993 and later changed to
CAP. T3 of 2004. TRCN became operational in June 2000 with the appointment
of Pioneer Registrar / Chief Executive in person of Chief Anjikwi Musa Ciwar
(OON) by the commander –in- Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

1. THE VISION OF THE TEACHERS’ REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF

NIGERIA (TRCN)

The vision of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is to ensure a

"guaranteed future for the teaching profession in Nigeria". This vision underscores
the commitment to enhancing the status and competence of teachers in Nigeria,
thereby contributing to the overall development of the education sector in the
country.

2. THE MISSION OF THE TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL OF

NIGERIA(TRCN)
The mission of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is to
"regulate the teaching profession and promote professional competence for quality
education delivery in Nigeria". This mission reflects the council's dedication to
ensuring that teachers meet professional standards and contribute to the delivery of
quality education in Nigeria.

3. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TEACHERS REGISTRATION

COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (TRCN)

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) was established to regulate

and control the teaching profession in Nigeria in all its aspects and ramifications.
The establishment of TRCN was a response to several decades of agitation by
professional teachers and other stakeholders for the establishment of a regulatory
agency to oversee the teaching profession in Nigeria. The TRCN Act 31 of 1993
was enacted to provide a legal framework for the regulation of the teaching
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profession in Nigeria and to ensure that only qualified and competent teachers are
allowed to practice in the country. The establishment of TRCN was also aimed at
enhancing the status and competence of teachers in Nigeria, thereby contributing to
the overall development of the education sector in the country.

4. THE MANDATES OF THE TEACHERS REGISTRATION COUNCIL

OF NIGERIA (TRCN)
The major mandates of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) are
outlined in the TRCN Act 31 of 1993 and include the following responsibilities .

1. determining who are teachers for the purpose of the Act.

2. determining what standards of knowledge and skills are to be attained by

persons seeking to become registered as teachers under the Act and raising those
standards from time to time as circumstances may permit.

3. securing in accordance with the provisions of the Act the establishment and
maintenance of a register of teachers and the publication from time to time of the
lists of those persons.

4. regulating and controlling the teaching profession in all its aspects and
ramifications.

5. classifying from time to time members of the teaching profession according to

their level of training and qualification.

6. performing through the Council established under the Act the functions
conferred on it by the Act.

In summary, TRCN is responsible for regulating and controlling the teaching

profession in Nigeria, determining the standards of knowledge and skills required
for teachers, maintaining a register of qualified teachers, and ensuring that only
qualified and competent teachers are allowed to practice in the country.
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5. THE IMPLICATIONS OF TRCN

The TRCN Act has far-reaching implications for the teaching profession in
Nigeria. The Act, as outlined in the document, is one and the same with the ,. The
implications of the TRCN Act include:

1. Setting and raising standards: The Act empowers TRCN to determine and raise
the standards of knowledge and skills required for individuals seeking to become
registered as teachers. This ensures that the teaching profession maintains high
standards of competence and professionalism.

2. Regulation and control: TRCN is mandated to regulate and control the teaching
profession in all its aspects and ramifications. This implies that the council plays a
crucial role in ensuring that the teaching profession operates within established
standards and guidelines.

3. Maintenance of a register of teachers: The Act requires TRCN to secure the

establishment and maintenance of a register of teachers. This implies that only
qualified and registered teachers are allowed to practice in Nigeria.

4. Classification of teachers: TRCN is responsible for classifying members of the

teaching profession according to their level of training and qualification. This
classification ensures that teachers are recognized based on their qualifications and
expertise.

Overall, the TRCN Act has significant implications for the teaching profession in
Nigeria, as it sets the standards for teacher competence, regulates the profession,
and ensures that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice as teachers in the
country.

6. PROGRAMMES OF TRCN

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) implements several

programmes and activities in accordance with its legal provisions and common
conventions of professional regulatory agencies. These programmes include:

1. Registration and licensing of qualified teachers.

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2. Accreditation, monitoring, and supervision of the courses and programmes of

teacher training institutions in Nigeria to ensure that they meet national and
international standards.

3. Organization of Internship Schemes and induction programmes for fresh

Education graduates to equip them with the necessary professional skills before
licensing them for full professional practice.

4. Conduct of professional examinations and interviews to determine teachers that

are suitable for registration.

5. Establishment of national minimum standards for and execution of Mandatory

Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) to guarantee that teachers keep
abreast of developments in the theory and practice of the profession.

These programmes are designed to ensure the competence, professionalism, and

continuous development of teachers in Nigeria, ultimately contributing to the
delivery of quality education in the country.

7. LAUNCHING OF TRCN IN NIGERIA

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) was established by the

Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Act 31 of 1993. This act was enacted to
provide the legal framework for the regulation of the teaching profession in
Nigeria and to ensure that only qualified and competent teachers are allowed to
practice in the country. Therefore, TRCN was launched in accordance with the
provisions of this act, which was passed in 1993.

8. THE CURRENT EXECUTIVES OF THE TEACHERS REGISTRATION

COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (TRCN).

The current executives of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)

are:

1. Prof. Josiah Ajiboye - Registrar/Chief Executive

2. Dr. Yakubu Gambo - Director, Professional Operations

3. Dr. Steve Nwokeocha - Director, Professional Development and Certification

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4. Alhaji Suleiman Bello - Director, Finance and Accounts

5. Mr. M. A. Ahmed - Director, Legal Services

6. Mrs. Oluremi A. Adegboyega - Director, Human Resources Management

7. Mr. O. A. Ogunleye - Director, Public Affairs [TRCN website]

These executives are responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of
TRCN, ensuring that the council fulfills its mandate of regulating and controlling
the teaching profession in Nigeria.

9. TRCN LAW

The laws governing the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) include
the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Act 31 of 1993. This act provides the
legal framework for the regulation of the teaching profession in Nigeria and
outlines the responsibilities and powers of TRCN in ensuring the competence and
professionalism of teachers in the country.

Additionally, the TRCN Act empowers the council to determine who qualifies as a
teacher, set standards for knowledge and skills required for registration, maintain a
register of teachers, regulate and control the teaching profession, classify members
of the teaching profession based on their qualifications, and perform other
functions conferred by the Act.

Furthermore, the TRCN Act contains provisions related to the prosecution of

unqualified persons performing the job of teachers, the legal requirements for
recognition of teachers in Nigeria, the rights and privileges of registered teachers,
and the penalties for individuals and employers who violate the provisions of the
Act.

These laws are crucial in ensuring the professionalism and competence of teachers
in Nigeria and in regulating the teaching profession to maintain high standards of
education in the country.

10. TRCN Registration

To register with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), interested

individuals must meet the following requirements:
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1. Possess the minimum qualification of National Certificate in Education (NCE)

or Bachelor's degree in Education recognized by the council.

2. Provide evidence of payment of registration fees.

3. Provide evidence of payment of annual subscription fees.

4. Pass the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) organized by TRCN.

5. Provide evidence of participation in Mandatory Continuing Professional

Development (MCPD) programmes organized by TRCN.

Once these requirements are met, individuals can apply for registration with TRCN
by completing the registration form and submitting it to the council along with the
required documents and fees. The registration process typically takes a few weeks
to complete, after which successful applicants will be issued a certificate of
registration and a license to practice as a teacher in Nigeria.

It is important to note that registration with TRCN is mandatory for all teachers in
Nigeria, and failure to register or renew registration annually can result in penalties
and legal consequences.

11. LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TEACHERS

To be legally recognized as a teacher in Nigeria, individuals must fulfill certain

legal requirements as stipulated by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria
(TRCN). The TRCN Act 31 of 1993 outlines the legal requirements for the
recognition of teachers in Nigeria. These requirements include:

1. Passing a qualifying examination: Individuals seeking registration as teachers

must pass a qualifying examination accepted by the Council and complete the
practical teaching prescribed by the Council under the Act.

2. Good character: Applicants for teacher registration must demonstrate good

character and ethical conduct in their personal and professional lives.

3. Age requirement: Applicants must have attained the age of twenty-one years to
be eligible for registration as a teacher.
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4. Absence of criminal convictions: Individuals seeking registration as teachers

must not have been convicted in Nigeria or elsewhere of an offense involving fraud
or dishonesty.

5. Compliance with TRCN provisions: Registered teachers are required to comply

with TRCN provisions regarding induction at the point of graduation, payment of
registration fees and annual dues, professional qualifying examinations, internship
after graduation from teacher education institutions, continuing professional
development, and any other requirements that may be made by TRCN from time to
time.

In addition to these legal requirements, the TRCN Act also provides for the
classification of members of the teaching profession into different categories based
on their level of training and qualification, as previously mentioned. These legal
requirements are designed to ensure that individuals entering the teaching
profession in Nigeria meet the necessary standards of competence, character, and
professionalism.

12. CATEGORIZATION OF TEACHER

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) categorizes registered

teachers in Nigeria into four groups based on their level of training and
qualification. These categories are as follows:

1. Category A (Doctoral Teachers): This category includes individuals who hold

a PhD in Education or a PhD in another field, along with a teaching qualification
such as Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), Professional Diploma in
Education (PDE), or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).

2. Category B (Master Teachers): This category comprises individuals who hold

a Master's Degree in Education or a Master's Degree in another field, in addition to
a teaching qualification such as PGDE, PDE, or NCE.

3. Category C (Graduate Teachers): This category includes individuals with a

Bachelor's Degree in Education or a Bachelor's Degree in another field, along with
a teaching qualification such as PGDE, PDE, or NCE.
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4. Category D (NCE Teachers): This category consists of individuals who hold

the Nigeria Certificate in Education, which is the national minimum teaching
qualification in Nigeria.

The categorization of teachers by TRCN is based on the provisions of the TRCN

Act 31 of 1993, which gives TRCN the responsibility to classify members of the
teaching profession according to their level of training and qualification. This
categorization emphasizes the importance of academic qualifications as a basis for
professional growth and development in the teaching profession.

13. RIGHTS AND PRIVELEDGE

Registered teachers in Nigeria enjoy certain rights and privileges as outlined by the
Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Some of these rights and
privileges include:

1. Legal status as teachers: Registered teachers are recognized by law as qualified

and competent professionals in the teaching profession

2. Freedom to add certain designations before or after their names: Registered

teachers are allowed to use certain designations such as MTRCN (Member
TRCN), FTRCN (Fellow TRCN), and others as determined by TRCN for the
identification of registered teachers in Nigeria.

3. Freedom to impart professional skills, knowledge, and values: Registered

teachers are free to impart their professional skills, knowledge, and values within
the education system, subject to regulation by TRCN.

4. Access to professional development opportunities: Registered teachers have

access to Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) programmes
organized by TRCN to enhance their professional skills and knowledge.

5. Protection from unqualified individuals performing the job of teachers:

TRCN is empowered to prosecute unqualified persons performing the job of
teachers in contravention of the TRCN Act section 17(2).
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6. Recognition of their professional standing: The Professional Standards for

Nigerian Teachers Checklist (PSNTC) rates the performance of a teacher in
relation to each standard, depending on the category of the teacher and the
standards that are applicable. This allows for the recognition of a teacher's
professional standing.

These rights and privileges are designed to promote the professionalism and
competence of teachers in Nigeria and to ensure that they are recognized and
respected as qualified professionals in the teaching profession.

14. PROFESSIONAL VALUES AND CONDUCTS

The Professional Standards for Nigerian Teachers outline the expected

performance in terms of professional values, attitude, and conduct for teachers
across different categories, including NCE Teachers, Graduate Teachers, Master
Teachers, and Doctoral Teachers. Here are some provisions of the standards on
professional values, attitude, and conduct:

1. Relationship with learners: Teachers are expected to honor learners' rights and
dignity without prejudice to gender, race, religion, tribe, color, physical
characteristics, place of origin, age, etc. They are also responsible for educational
programmes and should not delegate these functions to other persons except in
limited cases and with their direct involvement.

2. Commitment to professional development: Teachers are expected to engage

in Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) to guarantee that
they keep abreast of developments in the theory and practice of the profession.

3. Ethical conduct: Teachers are expected to exhibit ethical conduct in their

interactions with learners, colleagues, and the community. This includes upholding
the dignity and integrity of the teaching profession and adhering to professional
ethics and codes of conduct.

4. Professional responsibility: Teachers are responsible for diagnosing, advising,

prescribing, implementing, and evaluating subjects, courses, and educational
programmes placed under their care. They are also expected to play active and
remarkable roles in the development of education in society.
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These provisions reflect the emphasis on professionalism, ethical conduct, and the
promotion of a positive learning environment for students. Adhering to these
professional values and conducts is essential for maintaining the integrity and
quality of the teaching profession in Nigeria.

15. TRCN INDUCTION

The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) conducts an induction

ceremony for newly registered teachers in Nigeria. The induction ceremony is a
formal and legal process that marks the admission of the new teachers into the
teaching profession in Nigeria. Here are some key aspects of the TRCN induction:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for induction, a graduating student must have satisfied

the academic requirements for graduation, been cleared by the institution to be of
good behavior, attained the age of twenty-one years, not have been convicted of
any criminal conduct by a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria or abroad, and
paid the relevant professional registration fee and completed the registration form
prescribed by TRCN.

2. Modalities: The induction ceremony is typically organized by the institution in

collaboration with TRCN. The ceremony is expected to be impressive and
memorable but without emphasis on financial expenditure so that there will be no
obstacles to its organization by all institutions. Key participants at the ceremony
include TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive and TRCN Principal Officers, the Vice
Chancellor, Provost or Head of Institution and Principal Officers of the institution,
and invited eminent educationists, ministries, and agencies of education. Inductees
are encouraged to invite their families, friends, and well-wishers where possible to
witness the ceremony as a mark of admission into the teaching profession.

3. Programme: The suggested programme of the induction ceremony includes

arrival and registration of inductees, introduction of dignitaries, national anthem,
opening prayer, opening remarks by the chairman of the ceremony, welcome
address by the Dean of Faculty or School of Education, speech of the Vice
Chancellor or Provost, address of TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, presentation of
inductees by the Vice Chancellor or Provost, administration of Teachers Oath of
Allegiance by TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, and personal signing of the Oath
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of Allegiance by each inductee in the presence of TRCN Registrar/Chief

Executive.

The TRCN induction ceremony is an important event that marks the formal
admission of newly registered teachers into the teaching profession in Nigeria. It
emphasizes the importance of professionalism, ethical conduct, and the promotion
of a positive learning environment for students.

Assignment

1. Identify and discuss ten (10) problems of the implementation of TRCN Act of
1993 in Nigeria.

2. Write briefly on the history of TRCN in Nigeria