Abuja: The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), in partnership with Plan International Nigeria, has conducted a comprehensive training for educators from various fields in preparation for the revamped Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE). This initiative aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge in digital literacy and other core areas to improve educational outcomes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, the Registrar of TRCN, announced during a five-day technical workshop in Abuja that the new PQE has been streamlined from 23 subjects to five key competency domains: literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, pedagogy, and safeguarding. This change is intended to enhance learning outcomes and ensure teachers are well-prepared for their roles. Dr. Soyombo emphasized the importance of safeguarding, noting that teachers must be aware of the support systems in place for both students and themselves in cases of abuse.
The training included participants from diverse educational backgrounds, such as basic education, tertiary education, and specialists in mathematics, literacy, IT, and safeguarding. This wide array of expertise was selected to ensure comprehensive professional coverage in each area.
Prof. Gbenga Adewole, a researcher from the University of Ibadan, highlighted the necessity of developing a digital literacy training model to further improve learning outcomes. Meanwhile, Mr. Tanimudari Zakari, Project Coordinator at Plan International Nigeria, explained that the country’s teacher certification is being updated to better meet classroom needs, particularly in crisis-affected areas like Adamawa and Sokoto. Zakari elaborated on the transition to a competency-based PQE, aligning it with global standards and real-world classroom demands.
Zakari also mentioned the rollout of a Digital Teacher Registration and Licensing Portal alongside a Digital Literacy Training Model, which will prepare teachers for the updated PQE. Additionally, he noted that focusing on teacher wellbeing, professional development, and psychosocial support will aid in retaining educators in challenging locations.
The collaboration between TRCN and Plan International Nigeria is seen as a driving force for education reforms that aim to enhance learning for every child and advance teacher professionalism across Nigeria. The initiative also aligns with Plan International’s goal of empowering 20 million girls to lead change by 2028 and increasing advocacy for strategic education reviews.
Participants in the workshop included TRCN management, the Federal Ministry of Education, selected universities and colleges of education, curriculum and assessment experts, Plan International Nigeria, QEDA, and other development partners and civil society organizations.