Getting a Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Certificate is paramount for every teacher in Nigeria, as it signifies professional competence and compliance with the regulations of the teaching profession. In our previous article on HOW TO REGISTER A SCHOOL IN NIGERIA, we highlighted a recent policy that makes it mandatory for a member of a school’s board to be certified by the Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria. The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is a statutory body established by the Nigerian government[1] to regulate and control the teaching profession in Nigeria. The council’s major aim is to ensure that teachers meet specific professional standards and that the education system is manned by qualified and certified individuals. Over the years, TRCN has played a crucial role in improving the quality of education by ensuring that only trained and certified teachers are employed in schools across Nigeria[2].
The TRCN certificate serves as proof of a teacher’s eligibility to practice in both public and private educational institutions in Nigeria. This article aims to provide a detailed guide on how to get a TRCN certificate, covering the steps involved, eligibility criteria, and the importance of the certification in the teaching profession in Nigeria.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OBTAINING TRCN CERTIFICATION IN NIGERIA?
It is necessary to state that before applying for a TRCN certificate, prospective teachers must meet certain academic and professional requirements. These eligibility criteria ensure that only individuals with the necessary qualifications are certified to teach in Nigeria. The key qualification criteria include:
1. Academic Qualifications: To qualify for TRCN registration, candidates must possess at least one of the following academic qualifications to wit:
a. Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)
b. Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
c. Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)
d. Bachelor’s degree in any subject
e. Master’s or Doctorate degree in education or related fields
f. Ph.D. holder in education or other courses.[3]
2. Categories of Teachers Eligible for TRCN Registration:
a. TRCN registration is open to various categories of teachers, including:
b. Fresh graduates from colleges of education and universities with teaching qualifications
c. Teachers already practicing in both public and private schools
Individuals with international teaching qualifications, are subject to verification and approval by the TRCN.
Meeting these eligibility criteria is the first step towards becoming a certified teacher in Nigeria, and it lays the foundation for the rest of the registration process. An applicant should be able to satisfy the Council that he or she is of good character, has attained the age of 21 years, and has not been convicted in Nigeria or elsewhere of an offense involving
fraud or dishonesty[4]. Having met these requirements, the applicant can proceed to make an application for a TRCN certificate.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO OBTAINING A TRCN CERTIFICATE IN NIGERIA?
To thoroughly and successfully obtain a Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Certificate, prospective applicants must follow a structured process. This ensures that all necessary criteria are met and that the application is complete. Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining the TRCN certificate:
1: Enrolment and Registration: The first step towards obtaining a TRCN certificate is to enroll and register with the council. This can be done at any TRCN state office or via designated registration centers across Nigeria. Applicants will be required to fill out the necessary forms, provide personal and professional details, and submit their educational qualifications for verification.
2: Payment of TRCN Fees: Upon completing the registration form, applicants are required to pay the stipulated registration fee. The amount payable depends on the category of the applicant’s qualification. Payments can be made at designated banks, and evidence of payment (e.g., a bank deposit slip or receipt) must be submitted along with the registration documents.
3: Documentation and Submission of Required Credentials: After payment, applicants must submit the following documents:
I. Completed registration form
ii. Proof of payment
iii. Original and photocopies of academic certificates (e.g., NCE, B.Ed, PGDE)
iv. Passport-sized photographs
v. Any other relevant documents as requested by TRCN
vi. The submission can be made at the same TRCN office where the registration took place.
4: Examination for TRCN Certificate (Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE): Having registered and documents submitted, the applicants must sit for the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE). This examination is a mandatory assessment designed to evaluate the professional competence of teachers. It tests applicants on pedagogy, educational theory, and general teaching skills. Upon successful completion of the PQE, the applicant will be eligible to receive their TRCN certificate[5].
5. Collection of the TRCN Certificate: Once the examination results are released, successful candidates will be notified and can proceed to collect their TRCN Certificate from the state office where they registered. The certificate serves as official proof of the applicant’s professional teaching status and qualifies them to teach in any educational institution in Nigeria.
IS THE TRCN CERTIFICATE RENEWED?
Once issued, the TRCN Certificate is valid for life. However, if one writes the exam but fail to register with TRCN for one year, the person will rewrite another PQE exam to qualify for the registration.[6] This is the new rule of TRCN to avoid the situation where one will write the exam and pass but fail to register for years. Thus, after the PQE exam, the certificate is valid for one year, and if the prospective applicant fails to register within the year the exam is written, the certificate will be invalid.
WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF TRCN IN THE TEACHER REGULATION AND PROFESSIONALISM?
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria plays a pivotal role in regulating the teaching profession and ensuring that teachers adhere to professional standards. Some key functions of TRCN in maintaining the integrity of the teaching profession are as follows:
1. It Ensures the quality and standards in the Teaching Profession: TRCN’s primary responsibility is to set and enforce standards for teachers across Nigeria. This includes establishing criteria for teacher certification, assessing the professional competence of teachers, and ensuring that all practicing teachers are properly registered and licensed.
2. Improvement of Teaching Practices: TRCN promotes the continuous improvement of teaching practices by encouraging professional development and lifelong learning among teachers. By setting guidelines for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), TRCN ensures that teachers are regularly updating their knowledge and skills to remain effective in their roles.
3. Disciplinary Measures and Ethical Standards: TRCN is also responsible for maintaining ethical standards within the profession. It has the authority to investigate cases of professional misconduct, and where necessary, revoke or suspend the licenses of teachers found guilty of violating the established code of conduct[7].
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF TRCN CERTIFICATION ON CAREER ADVANCEMENT?
Obtaining a TRCN certificate not only legitimizes a teacher’s practice but also enhances career opportunities. Certified teachers are more likely to be promoted, receive better pay, and gain access to leadership roles in educational institutions. In both public and private schools, TRCN certification is becoming a prerequisite for career advancement and job security in Nigeria.
CAN I APPLY FOR TRCN CERTIFICATION WITH A FOREIGN TEACHING QUALIFICATION OR AS A FOREIGNER?
Yes, teachers with foreign qualifications can apply for TRCN certification. However, their credentials must be verified and approved by the council. This process ensures that the foreign qualifications meet the standards required for teaching in Nigeria. And a person who is a foreigner can also apply to register with TRCN in Nigeria so far as he or she passes the regulatory requirement in Nigeria and at the time of the application, the applicant qualifies to practice in the country of origin and, at the same time, the said country is willing to reciprocate the same with Nigerians citizens[8].
ARE THERE GROUNDS THROUGH WHICH ONE CAN DE-REGISTER FROM TRCN?
Yes, the TRCN Act states the conditions upon which a registered member can be de-registered which are to wit:
1. The grounds of forging the registration documents
2. If the Teachers Tribunal convicts the person for professional misconduct
3. Where the person is convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for a criminal offence
4. On the grounds of death[9]
In any of the listed conditions, the candidate stands the chance of being de-registered if found guilty except in the case of (d).
CONCLUSION
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) plays a crucial role in upholding the standards of the teaching profession in Nigeria. Obtaining a TRCN certificate is not just a legal requirement but also a mark of professionalism that enhances the credibility and career prospects of teachers in Nigeria. By following the outlined steps, meeting qualification criteria, registering, taking the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), and collecting the certificate, teachers can ensure that they are fully equipped to contribute meaningfully to the educational system in the country.
The certification process, while structured, is designed to maintain the integrity of teaching and ensure that only qualified individuals shape the minds of Nigeria’s future generations. By adhering to TRCN’s standards and engaging in continuous professional development, teachers can secure not only their place in the classroom but also their professional growth. Importantly, obtaining and renewing a TRCN certificate is a commitment to excellence in teaching and an essential step towards enhancing the quality of education in Nigeria.
For inquiries about starting your school in Nigeria, please contact us through the WhatsApp icon on this page or HERE, and we’ll respond to you.
[2] https://placng.org/lawsofnigeria/print.php?sn=506
[3] http://www.hired.com.ng/trcn-registration?utm
[4] See generally section 6 of TRCN Act, T3,2004
[5] Section 6(1)(a) ibid
[6] https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/665439-nigerian-gov-clarifies-new-policy-onb-techears-registration-certificate.html?tztc=1
[7] See sections 1 and 4 ibid
[8] Section 6(2) TRCN ACT.
[9] Section 10 ibid
Latest posts by Cynthia Tishion (see all)
- DOES REGISTERING A COMPANY IN THE US QUALIFY ME FOR A US VISA? - October 3, 2024
- HOW TO REGISTER A USSD CODE - September 26, 2024
- HOW TO GET A TRCN CERTIFICATE IN NIGERIA - September 19, 2024
Leave a Reply