Federal Government Bars Schools With Unqualified Teachers From Hosting WAEC and NECO Exams

The Federal Government has announced that schools with unqualified teachers will be barred from hosting WAEC and NECO exams from 2027. Learn the new requirements.

A Bold Step Towards Quality Education

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a landmark directive that could reshape the country’s secondary education system. Beginning in 2027, schools with unqualified teachers will no longer be eligible to serve as examination centres for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and other public exams. This move underscores the government’s commitment to raising educational standards and ensuring that only certified teachers prepare students for critical national and regional assessments.

The Policy Directive: Certification Now Mandatory

On September 11, 2025, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued a directive to the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The policy requires all teachers to obtain TRCN certification as a condition for their schools to be accredited as examination centres.

The directive specifies:

March 2027 – Implementation for WAEC (WASSCE)
May 2027 – Implementation for NABTEB
June 2027 – Implementation for NECO
June 2027 – Implementation for SAISSCE

Any school without properly registered and licensed teachers will be automatically disqualified from hosting these examinations.

For details on WAEC’s mandate and structure, you can visit the official WAEC Nigeria website.

Why This Policy Matters

Tackling Unqualified Teachers in Nigeria

Reports from the TRCN indicate that nearly 70% of teachers in some regions remain unqualified, raising serious concerns about the quality of education students receive. This alarming statistic has sparked debate among education stakeholders for years.

By insisting on professional certification, the government aims to:

Improve teaching quality in both public and private schools.
Ensure students are better prepared for exams like WAEC and NECO.
Boost the credibility of Nigeria’s secondary education system.

For context, NECO plays a vital role in Nigeria’s education system. Learn more about its structure and requirements at the official NECO website.

Compliance Requirements for Schools

The directive sets strict compliance targets:

2026: Schools must achieve at least 75% compliance with TRCN certification.
2027: Schools must achieve 100% compliance to remain eligible as exam centres.

Additionally, state governments are expected to enforce this directive across all state-owned and private secondary schools.

Options for Non-Education Graduates

Recognizing that some teachers are graduates in other fields, the Federal Government has provided an alternative pathway. Teachers with at least 12 months of classroom experience can enroll in the abridged professional certification programme through the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).

This short-term course, lasting between 3 and 6 months, equips participants with the necessary skills and qualifies them for TRCN registration and licensing. More information can be found at the NTI Nigeria official site.

Implications for Schools and Stakeholders

For Schools

Schools must prioritize hiring certified teachers or risk losing exam centre accreditation.
Private schools, in particular, will need to address the widespread issue of unqualified teachers.

For Teachers

Teachers must take immediate steps to obtain TRCN certification.
Non-education graduates should consider enrolling in NTI programmes to secure their positions.

For Students

The quality of education and exam preparation is expected to improve significantly.
Students will benefit from professional teaching methods and stronger academic support.

Building a Stronger Education System

The Federal Government’s decision to bar schools with unqualified teachers from WAEC and NECO examinations is a bold but necessary step to strengthen Nigeria’s education system. By enforcing TRCN certification, the government ensures that students are taught by qualified professionals, creating a fairer and more credible examination environment.

Schools and teachers must now act quickly to comply with the 2027 deadline. For teachers, obtaining certification is not just a requirement but also an opportunity to enhance career growth and professional recognition.

If you are a teacher or school administrator, begin the certification process with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) today. Ensure your school remains compliant and your students get the quality education they deserve.