To address teacher shortages and ensure a strong future for education, Nigerian teachers are gathering online for their annual conference on October 16-17.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, the Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria(TRCN), Dr. Stella- Maria Nwokeocha, stated that the 4th Annual Online Conference of Registered Teachers in Nigeria which is organised by the Council, is a special response to the emerging global continental and national issues of interest to the teaching profession and education in Nigeria.
She noted that the theme of the conference, “Advancing Teacher Professionalization in Nigeria Towards Education 2030: Challenges, Strategies and Prospects” is directly linked to global concerns of teacher quality and the future of the teaching profession.
Nwokeocha stated that national and international experts across the specializations in the teaching profession have been invited to make presentations during the conference.
She explained that the conference initiated in 2021 remains one of the largest gathering platforms of professional teachers in Nigeria where emerging issues in teaching and learning in the 21st century are unraveled and resolved.
“As of today, over 3, 000 persons have registered, and the number is expected to grow further. The conference will be streamed live on TRCN social media handles and those of UNESCO Nigeria which has greatly provided the technical support.
“TRCN will also set up viewing centers across the FCT, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Lagos, Oyo and other states where teachers may be willing to assemble and participate.
“Registration and participation are free for all, and that by participating a teacher will earn 25 PD credits as part of the requirements for the renewal of his or her teaching license,” she said.
The acting registrar stated the TRCN statutory mandate covers all levels of the education system, and both the public and private sectors adding therefore that teachers at the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions will be at conference.
“There is also a critical need for the participation of teacher educators at the faculties of education in the Nigerian universities, colleges of education, and schools of education in the polytechnics,” she said.
Nwokeocha called on collaboration from the media sister agencies and international development partners and other critical stakeholders to ensure that the conference is a success.
“This important goal of repositioning teachers in Nigeria to meet international standards calls for collaboration with the media, sister agencies and international development partners, and other critical stakeholders.
“The media, in particular, can help to popularize the Conference so as to attract the largest number of teachers and critical stakeholders to participate as this will empower them to understand the direction of the profession, what is expected of them, and the best ways to optimize their quality, aspirations and career,” she said.