16. September 2025
Admin
FG Declares: Schools with Uncertified Teachers to Lose WAEC & NECO Accreditation
The Federal Government has ordered that secondary schools (both public and private) ensure all their teachers are certified by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). From 2027, failure to meet this requirement disqualifies schools from serving as examination centres for exams like WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, WASSCE, and SAISSCE.
Quick Snapshot:
- Certification via TRCN is now mandatory for all secondary school teachers.
- Cut-off dates: March 2027 (WASSCE), May 2027 (NABTEB), June 2027 (NECO & SAISSCE).
- Schools must achieve 75% compliance by 2026, 100% by 2027.
- Short-term training (3-6 months) via NTI for non-education graduates with classroom experience.
What Schools & Teachers Must Do
- Ensure all teaching staff are registered and licensed with TRCN before the deadlines.
- Enroll teachers without certification in the abridged programme by NTI.
- State governments must monitor compliance and support schools in achieving certification goals.
Risks for Non-Compliant Schools
- Will lose accreditation as examination centres for major public exams starting in 2027.
- Could disrupt students’ ability to sit for examinations if they apply through centres that are disaccredited.
- Potential decline in school reputation and trust among parents and examination bodies.
What to Watch Out For
- Check your teacher’s TRCN status — is it valid and up to date?
- Make sure your school has initiated compliance efforts if not already certified.
- Stay aware of local state government policies, as enforcement may vary regionally.
Heads Up: Students and parents should confirm that the school they use as an exam centre complies with TRCN certification to avoid last-minute disappointments.
