TRCN highlights the urgent need for qualified teachers in Nigeria, emphasizing training and registration to improve schools across the country
The shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria continues to threaten the nation’s education system, contributing to declining learning outcomes across schools.
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has raised the alarm, emphasizing the urgent need to address this growing challenge.
Dr. Ronke Soyombo, CEO of TRCN, spoke on Channels Television on October 6, 2025, during the World Teachers’ Day celebration.
She explained that while many individuals in the teaching profession lack proper qualifications, there are also passionate prospective teachers unable to join due to insufficient credentials.
“There are many unqualified teachers in classrooms today, especially in private schools,” Dr. Soyombo said.
“Attending teacher training is one thing, but being able to break down lessons effectively for students is another. This gap must be addressed immediately.”
TRCN is actively tackling the shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria through strategic initiatives, including digitizing registration systems and launching accelerated certification programs.
Currently, TRCN has about 1.4 million registered teachers, with a target of 20 million within the next two years. The goal is to expand access to trained educators in both public and private schools nationwide.
“Many teachers avoid public schools because they lack formal education degrees,” Dr. Soyombo noted.
“Our accelerated programs aim to attract these educators by providing structured certification pathways that do not compromise teaching standards.”
Collaboration among teachers is also a key focus. Dr. Soyombo explained, “Every teacher has unique strengths, but collaboration enriches education.
“When teachers work together to plan lessons for the same year group, the quality of learning improves significantly. This culture of teamwork benefits both teachers and students.”
She also emphasized the importance of instilling collaboration among students. “21st-century education requires that children work in mixed-ability groups, learning from one another.
“Teachers are increasingly integrating collaborative practices into classrooms, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills early on.”
Leadership development is another priority. Teachers are encouraged to visit high-performing schools to observe best practices and implement them in their own classrooms.
“Adopting effective teaching strategies from other schools helps improve outcomes and sets a standard of excellence across the education sector,” Dr. Soyombo said.
Research shows that unqualified teachers are a major factor behind low student performance.
Students taught by undertrained educators often struggle academically and lack motivation. This makes TRCN’s efforts to increase the number of qualified teachers in Nigeria even more critical.
Private schools face unique challenges, often employing teachers who are passionate but unqualified. TRCN’s programs aim to formally train these educators, equipping them to meet national teaching standards.
“Teacher quality directly affects learning outcomes. Proper training ensures that every classroom benefits from effective teaching,” Dr. Soyombo stressed.
Technology is playing a key role in TRCN’s approach. Digital tools provide teachers with access to lesson planning resources, collaborative platforms, and modern pedagogical methods.
“Leveraging technology allows teachers to deliver better lessons and reach students more effectively,” Dr. Soyombo explained.
Continuous professional development is essential to sustaining teacher quality. TRCN encourages workshops, seminars, and peer-learning sessions to ensure educators remain up-to-date with evolving teaching practices.
“Professional growth is critical. Teachers must continually enhance their skills to maintain high education standards,” she added.
The shortage of qualified teachers in Nigeria poses both a challenge and an opportunity.
TRCN’s programs, collaboration initiatives, and digital resources are designed to increase the number of trained educators, improve teaching quality, and raise education standards nationwide.
By nurturing qualified teachers, Nigeria can strengthen its classrooms, boost student outcomes, and secure a brighter future for its education system.
The need for qualified teachers in Nigeria has never been more urgent. With concerted effort from government bodies, educational institutions, and professional organizations, the nation can ensure that every student has access to competent, dedicated, and highly trained teachers.
TRCN’s initiatives provide a blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s teaching profession and restoring confidence in the country’s schools.
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