Education in Nigeria is facing a turning point. The Federal Government has issued a clear warning to secondary schools across the country: hire certified teachers or risk losing your WAEC accreditation.
This announcement has sent shockwaves across the education sector because it goes beyond routine policy. For schools, accreditation is their lifeline. For students, it is the gateway to sitting for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the single most important exam in their secondary school journey.
Why the Federal Government Is Taking This Step Towards WAEC
For years, concerns have grown about the declining quality of education in Nigeria. Many schools employ teachers without formal qualifications, relying on “cheap labour” rather than trained professionals. The effect? Students are often left underprepared for WAEC exams, and malpractice rates continue to rise.
By insisting on certified teachers, the government wants to:
- Improve the standard of teaching in schools.
- Restore the credibility of WAEC certificates.
- Reduce exam malpractice fueled by poor teaching and weak classroom control.
- Ensure students get the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in higher education.
This policy is more than just paperwork; it’s about securing the future of Nigerian students.
WAEC accreditation is official approval that allows schools to conduct WASSCE exams for their students. Without it, a school cannot register candidates for WAEC. Students must then move to another accredited school to sit for their exams.
Losing WAEC accreditation can destroy a school’s reputation overnight. Parents lose confidence, students are forced to transfer, and the school may even struggle to survive. That’s why this new rule is such a wake-up call.
Who Is a Certified Teacher?
A certified teacher is not just anyone standing in front of a classroom. According to the government, a certified teacher is someone who:
- Holds a recognised teaching qualification, such as an NCE, B.Ed., or PGDE.
- Is registered with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
- They continuously develop their skills through training and workshops.
In short, a certified teacher is both trained and recognised by law to teach. This professional status assures parents and students that learning is happening at the right standard.
The Risks for Schools That Ignore This Warning in WAEC
The directive is not optional. Schools that fail to comply risk losing their WAEC accreditation, and that comes with serious consequences:
- Students cannot sit for the WAEC at the school. Parents will immediately move their children elsewhere.
- Loss of reputation. Once a school is on the list, it will struggle to regain credibility.
- Reduced enrolment and revenue. Parents avoid schools that cannot guarantee their children’s exams.
- Students’ academic future is affected. Even one year lost can derail a student’s admission process.
Clearly, ignoring this directive is not an option.
If you are a parent or student, you also have a role to play. Before enrolling in a school, ask these questions:
- Are the teachers certified and registered with TRCN?
- Does the school have a valid WAEC accreditation?
- Has the school ever been sanctioned or had issues with exam malpractice?
Don’t assume, verify. The school you choose today can make or break your child’s academic future.
What Schools Should Do Immediately
Schools that are not yet fully compliant still have time to act, but not much. Here are urgent steps every school should take:
- Audit teaching staff. Identify teachers without certification.
- Support professional registration. Encourage uncertified teachers to register with TRCN.
- Recruit qualified staff. Hire trained educators with the right certifications.
- Maintain documentation. Keep proper staff records ready for WAEC inspections.
Taking these steps shows commitment to quality education and helps safeguard WAEC accreditation.
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Education System
This directive is about more than rules. It’s about restoring trust in Nigeria’s education system. For years, the value of the WAEC certificate has been questioned because of malpractice and poor standards. By enforcing teacher certification, the Federal Government is setting a new benchmark for excellence.
In the long run, students will benefit most. With certified teachers, they are more likely to understand their subjects, perform well in exams, and compete globally.
The Federal Government’s warning is a wake-up call for all stakeholders in Nigerian education. Schools must act fast to protect their accreditation. Parents must demand quality from the schools they choose. And students must realise that qualified teachers make all the difference in their success.
