Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has criticised the federal government’s decision to halt funding for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

At yesterday’s public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja, NUT national president Audu Amba described the decision as detrimental to the development of Nigeria’s teaching profession.

“TRCN is the regulatory body that professionalises 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 mean business when doing this?”

Amba criticised the government for prioritising 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 African country; we cannot afford to regress,“ he declared.

Meanwhile, the minister of education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has pledged that the federal government is committed to implementing the teachers‘ scheme to improve the country‘s education quality.

Mamman acknowledged the roles of teachers in developing a value system at the heart of learners, hence the need to support their crucial roles.

He pledged the federal government‘s commitment to providing the 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 exemplary leadership that provided 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, innovate, and 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 not only meets the needs of today but anticipates and prepares for the challenges of tomorrow,“ he said.

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 emphasise the administrative responsibilities of school leaders, there was a need to establish comprehensive standards that address their crucial role in instructional leadership,“ he added.

Ajiboye emphasised 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.