Professional Certification Key to Accountability and Global Competitiveness — Akinsulure
Professional certification has been identified as a critical tool for ensuring accountability, quality, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s education sector.
This position was articulated by Mrs. Adeola Akinsulure, a biology teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School and First Runner-Up of the 2025 Maltina Teacher of the Year Award, during a webinar on the 2025 National Teachers Policy.
The webinar, themed “Teachers at the Helm: Understanding the 2025 National Teachers Policy for a Brighter Future,” was jointly organised by the Director of the Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), Mr. Kabiru Abass. Held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the virtual session attracted over 50 participants, including teachers, school leaders, and members of the public.
Speaking on teachers’ professional career pathways, registration, and certification, Akinsulure stressed that teaching must be treated as a fully regulated profession. She argued that professional certification would help standardise teaching practice and improve accountability across the education system.
“Professional certification is key to accountability and global competitiveness. Teachers should be certified just like doctors, nurses, and engineers if we truly want quality education and international relevance,” Akinsulure said.
She explained that certification would ensure that only qualified and competent individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of educating learners, while also providing a clear structure for career progression.
According to her, this would motivate teachers to continually improve their skills and uphold ethical standards.
Akinsulure noted that in many advanced education systems, certification and licensing are non-negotiable, adding that Nigeria must adopt similar standards to align with global best practices. She said that without proper regulation, the teaching profession would continue to struggle with credibility and consistency.
She further highlighted the role of the 2025 National Teachers Policy in institutionalising certification and continuous professional development. According to her, the policy provides a roadmap for strengthening teacher quality and improving learning outcomes nationwide.
Participants at the webinar echoed her concerns, agreeing that certification and structured career pathways would elevate the status of teachers and enhance public trust in the profession. Many called for swift and transparent implementation of the policy provisions.
The session also featured a presentation by Ms. Sarah Yusuf, Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, who examined the policy context and guiding principles. She emphasised that the policy empowers teachers to renew their skills, lead educational transformation, and excel professionally.
At the conclusion of the webinar, organisers confirmed that a soft copy of the 2025 National Teachers Policy would be shared with participants. Attendees expressed appreciation for the engagement, noting that the discussions provided clarity and renewed commitment to professional growth.
The organisers announced that the next webinar in the series would hold on January 29, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to deepen understanding and implementation of the National Teachers Policy across the education sector.
