CurrentReport Blog No fewer than 16,614 candidates sat for the November edition of the Teachers’ Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) conducted by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The exercise took place in Abuja and other major cities across Nigeria, with officials from the Federal Ministry of Education monitoring the process to ensure its smooth execution.
Hitch-Free Examination Process
The Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of TRCN, Dr. Stella-Maria Nwokeocha, noted that the examination was conducted seamlessly, thanks to technological advancements and improved management practices. Director of Certification and Licensing, Dr. Jacinta Ezeahurukwe, highlighted innovations such as the introduction of an app for generating examination numbers and detecting impersonation.
“The app ensures that only registered candidates participate in the examination and enhances the accreditation process. We are also moving towards full online registration to make the process even more efficient,” Ezeahurukwe said.
Funding Challenges at TRCN
Despite the success of the examination, TRCN is grappling with financial difficulties due to its delisting from federal government funding. Dr. Nwokeocha lamented the agency’s reliance on development partners to sustain operations, noting the significant impact on staff training and emoluments.
“We’ve had to cut costs drastically, including reducing training sessions and opting for group training to manage resources. While development partners have been supportive, it is not a sustainable solution. We are urging the government to reinstate TRCN in its funding plan or, at the very least, take over the payment of staff salaries,” she said.
Professional Standards for Nigerian Teachers
The PQE is a mandatory requirement for licensing and certification of teachers in Nigeria. According to Dr. Ezeahurukwe, the examination evaluates candidates’ professional knowledge to ensure they meet the standards required to teach in classrooms across the country.
She added that TRCN’s ongoing technological improvements aim to uphold the integrity of the process and ensure a seamless experience for candidates.
As TRCN navigates financial challenges, the agency continues to emphasize its commitment to professionalizing the teaching profession in Nigeria and maintaining high standards for educators nationwide.
