The Nigerian government, through the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman has pledged further commitment to providing necessary resources, training, and support to help teachers succeed in their profession, especially in leadership qualities.
The Minister pledged the Public Presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Abuja, Nigeria.
The document was prepared by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, (TRCN).
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 said the professional standards would serve as a comprehensive framework designed to support and enhance the effectiveness of school leadership.
According to him, the standards were not merely guidelines, but a vision of what exemplary leadership should be by providing 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, to innovate, and to 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,” he said.
He said together, the nation can build an education system that does not only meet the needs of today but anticipates and prepares for the challenges of tomorrow.
Registrar of TRCN, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, said school leadership was critical to changing the landscape in the teaching profession of the country.
He explained that the idea behind the document is to produce and provide instructional leadership materials in schools so that teachers will not only be managing the chalk and dusters but also be able to manage the instruction in their various school systems.
“Nigeria is the first country in Africa to have a professional standard for school leadership which is a milestone achievement and being recorded under the TRCN.
“We want to see this professional standard making an impact in our school leaders because, over the years, we have now come to realise that apart from the learner factor, the next most critical factor in a school system is the school leaders.
“We believe that if this school leadership document is well utilised, it will transform our classrooms and school system,” he said.
On his part, the Programmes Director of the British Council, Chikodi Onyemerela said effective school leadership would invariably create an effective learning environment that students could benefit from.
He emphasized that “school leadership was an indispensable outcome of the whole school system.”
The professional standards comprised five core domains which are: promoting school improvement and innovation, leading teaching and learning.
Others are developing self and others, leading and managing the school as well as engaging and working with the community.
