Prof Segun Ajiboye

Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

The Registrar of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, Professor Segun Ajiboye has revealed that the Council has been contracted by the Kaduna State governor to organise competency test for teachers in its Secondary schools.

Ajiboye who said agreement for the test is being finalized with the Kaduna state government also promised implored Nigerian teachers to expect better days ahead as the Federal Government has budgeted the sum of N100m for their welfare in 2018.

Ajiboye stated this during the weekend in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State while participating on a guest forum platform of the Oyo State Correspondents’ Chapel adding that the gesture was in appreciation of teachers for human development in the country.

He stressed that there is no way a Teacher who is denied of his entitlement would be committed to his job, Ajiboye urged debtor-governors to ensure that the welfare of Teachers without delay.

Ajiboye maintained that Nigerian teachers are not afraid of competency tests pointing out that the Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, has assured that his members would participate in such tests if organised by TRCN which is the regulatory body empowered to do so.

He however expressed worries and sadness at the kidnap of over 100 pupils in Dapchi, Yobe state by suspected insurgents calling on government to enhance security for teachers and pupils in terror zones.

“TRCN has become a household name. When I took over the TRCN website was down. Now the website is perfectly functional and interactive. To appreciate our teachers, we have set aside the sum of N100m in 2018 budget to do that.

He said, “Teachers must be appreciated for their contributions. This is why is saddens one to see states owing Teachers. Debtor-states should pay teachers their dues. Teachers who receive no payment cannot give their best to teaching. TRCN certificate has become one of the criteria for being engaged as teacher nationwide showing the embrace of TRCN nationwide.

“The collaboration we enjoy from the NUT and others have been a strong pillar for TRCN. I am not happy at the killing of Teachers and abductions of pupils in terror zone. I appeal to the federal government and the governors to increase security for education communities in terror zone so as not to engender fear in the heart of those genuinely interested in learning and doing their job,” he said.