TEACHERS TRAINING CERTIFICATE, A LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO PRACTICE TEACHING IN NIGERIA- COE PROVOST
By: Ngozi Ofurum and Halimah Yahaya
The Provost of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Education (COE), Zuba-Abuja, Dr. Sule Mundi, has stated that the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) certificate is a compulsory requirement for anyone seeking to practice as a teacher in Nigeria.
The provost made this statement during the induction ceremony for Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) and Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) graduates, held recently at the College premises in Zuba, Abuja.
He added that registering with TRCN is not only advisable but a legal requirement to practice teaching.
While speaking on the fundamental role teachers play in promoting critical thinking, shaping individuals, nurturing curiosity, and instilling values in their students, Dr. Mundi noted that obtaining a TRCN certificate is indispensable, as it provides greater opportunities for growth and advancement in both public and private schools. According to him, the certificate enhances one’s capability to negotiate salary and offers valuable access to ongoing professional development, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling teaching career.
The Registrar of TRCN, Dr. Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, represented by the Acting Director, Certification and Licensing Department, Mr. Abimbola Okunola her address acknowledged the remarkable achievement of the FCT College of Education, with an impressive pass rate of 92.5% in the TRCN examination. The College, he stated, stands as a beacon of excellence in teacher training.
In his own address, Mr. Abimbola Okunola encouraged the inductees to embrace the teaching profession as a noble calling, emphasising the invaluable role they play in shaping future generations.
He reminded them that, as members of TRCN, their professional conduct will be scrutinized, underscoring the responsibility that comes with their new status.
He urged the inductees to pursue continuous professional development, highlighting that the landscape of education in the 21st century is dynamic and ever-changing.
He also charged them to approach their profession with the seriousness and dedication it deserves, as they embark on this vital journey of nurturing young minds.
The TRCN FCT Coordinator, Mr. Mackay Eze, urged the inductees to uphold the esteemed values of the teaching profession, emphasising the importance of their role as educators, and inspired them to carry the torch of knowledge with pride.
Mr. Eze also urged them to pray for divine guidance, hoping that the teaching profession not only endures but thrives, fostering a bright future for generations to come.
In her vote of thanks, the Acting Registrar of the College, Hajiya Zainab Suleiman Itakure, commended the efforts of the TRCN for their continuous collaboration. She congratulated the inductees and wished them well in their teaching profession.
An inductee, Mr. Vitalis Ogujiuba, who spoke on behalf of other inductees, expressed gratitude to the provost and the management team for their support and dedication.
