The Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is holding a professional qualifying examination (PQE) for over fifteen thousand (15,000) candidates across Nigeria.
The Director of Certification and Licensing at the Council, Dr. Jacinta Ezeahurukwe, on Saturday said the examination would ensure that teachers were licensed before going into the classrooms.
“The exam started on the 23rd of November across the country. We have a total of 15,750 candidates writing the batch ‘B’ exam across the country, and we are targeting those who have not registered.
“The exam is important because it is not testing the subject knowledge of teachers but testing their professional knowledge.
“All we are looking out for in the exam is that foundation knowledge, which the teacher needs to have an exhibit in the classroom as needed in the teacher’s professional standards.
“The result of the exam is expected to be out in two weeks,” she explained.
She said there are safeguards to make sure that there will be no exam malpractice for the various categories being written by NCE, B.Ed, PgD, Masters and PhD holders.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew Adejo, represented by Dr. Yusuf Saidi, after a tour of the premises of the exam in Maitama, Abuja, said the exam will enhance the quality of teachers and education in Nigeria because in any profession there is the need for a regulatory body.
“With this, the quality of teachers that will be produced will be as required. If you have a profession where anything goes, it will not work well. This will ensure quality outpu.
“I am impressed by the conduct of the exam, as there has been a gradual improvement over the years.
“What I’m seeing now is very impressive. The conduct of candidates and examiners is very encouraging too. However, as we go on, we are going to build on the success of today,” he said.
For his part, State Secretary of the National Association of Private Schools, Nasarawa State, Dr. Olu-Andrew Kayode, described the process so far as being very free.
“I want to say it is very simple to approach and to allay the fears of people who think CBT is very difficult.
“With what I have experienced today, just a knowledge of simple computer approach and the ability to read and write will help you to excel in these exams.
“The process of the examination will help to improve the quality of teachers.
“The world is going digital globally, and we must not be left behind as a nation. Gradually, we are getting it so that we can of course meet the global standards with other nations of the world.
“It is essential, and gradually everyone will go digital; it is very important,” said Dr. Olu-Andrew Kayode.
One of the candidates, Luka Gabi, said the experience is a memorable one, as it is a professional exam compared with other professionals.
“This exam is an indication that the teaching profession is being upgraded with standards,” he noted.
