EDUCATION

Gov Mbah flags- off National Teachers’ Career Path Policy , approves US training for Smart teachers

Maureen Ikpeama10 months ago10 months ago55613 mins

In his determination to enhance quality in education and promote teachers’ development, Enugu state Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, Monday , flagged -off the National Teachers’ Career Path Policy, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to setting up a functional education system in the state,

He made that known in his speech during the flag-off of the Teachers’ career path policy held at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

Representated by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, Governor Mbah said the policy aims to professionalize teaching in Nigeria, improve teacher quality, and enhance the overall education system by focusing on teacher development, career progression, and effective implementation of relevant strategy.

He said education means much to his administration, hence, the allocation of 33% State’s annual budget to educational.sector and the building of 260 Smart Green schools in 260 political wards in the state

Pix, Deputy Governor Ossai displaying copies of the Policy

Reacting to the call made by the state Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Comrade Theophilus Nweke that the state government should make teaching an enviable profession in Enugu state so that children will develop interest in becoming teachers, Governor Mbah lamented that teachers were no longer respected in the society , the way they used to be respected some years back.

He thanked the NUT chairman for drawing the attention of the State government to that, assuring that his administration will work towards making teaching profession interesting and attractive.

Speaking on teachers’ verification exercise taking place this August, Governor Mbah assured teachers of protection saying, ” the government of Enugu state will not sack anyone. We will make critical investment in your training and will protect you.”

In his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Education ,Prof Ndubueze Mbah commended the state government , the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria for their efforts in making the Teachers’ Career path policy flag-off in Enugu state a reality.

According to him, the National Teachers’ Career Path Policy was introduced some years back but was not implemented in Enugu state until Governor Peter Mbah made it possible.

Pix , Commissioner for Education, ,Prof Ndubueze Mbah

“This is a national.policy that was introduced five years ago but was not implemented until Dr Ndubuisi Mbah administration made it possible.

Stressing the importance of the policy, the Commissioner hinted that the huge investment. in education in the state, infrastructure, Experiential learning , learning materials, a complete eco- system reform, will not be complete without professionalising teaching “and by this singular move, the Enugu state Government has completed the eco-system that will ensure the success of independence in our education system”

Pix Prof Mbah 1st, Mrs Ogbu, middle and Timothy Okite ,Right

He announced that the State Governor has approved an abroad study tour for two teachers of the Enugu Smart Green schools ,Owo, Timothy Okite , ICT Smart teacher and Mrs Esther Ogbu , Robotics teacher. They will be travelling to the United States for study and their visas were being processed.

Pix, Stakeholders with pupils of Enugu Smart Green School, Owo Campus

In her speech, the Register/ Chief Executive, Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria ,TRCN, Dr Ronke Soyombo said,” the TRCN is implementing a Path Policy for teachers to enhance professionalism and address the issue of unqualified teachers.”, adding that the policy will enhance leadership opportunities.

Dr. Soyombo said the minister of Education will on 26Th August, launch instant teachers verification exercise for efficiency. She urged teachers to respect the teaching profession, imbibe culture of trust, and accountability..

Pix: Dr Soyombo handing over copies of Teachers ‘ Career path policy to Gov Mbah ‘s representative, Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai

The Registrar also disclosed that the recent TRCN study showed that 85% private schools’ teachers were not qualified. She gave them two years to be qualified , informing that the Council wanted to transform education as well as the Nigerian 21 Century child .

She commended Governor Mbah for making the launch of the Teachers’ Career Path Policy in Enugu state a reality.

Presenting the Overview of the Teachers’ Career Path Policy, Dr Abba Ogbe said the launch of the policy was an affirmation to restore professional progression within the teaching career.

Pix, Participants at the event

She noted that teaching was officially recognised as a profession in Nigeria by the establishment of Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria through Act 01 CAP T3 of 2004 in efforts to strengthening the teaching profession in the country..

“The policy provides a framework for the identification, registration, and licensing of all qualified teachers and school leaders based on competence and performance. It facilitates the assessment of the developmental needs of teachers and schools ,” she said.

Dr Ogbe highlighted four stages of categorization of teachers’ career path policy, which are, Beginner , Proficient, Mentor and Distinguish. She explained that the length of service of teachers was a requirement for categorization . The length of service are: from 0- 5years( Beginner teacher ) 06-10 years (Proficient teacher ) 11-15 ( Mentor teacher ) and 16- above (Distinguish teacher ).. Ogbe added that one must have a minimum teaching qualification of National Certificate in Education (NCE) to be categorized..

Pix Prof Mbah and TRCN Registrar, Dr Soyombo

In her goodwill message , the Chairman, Science Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB) Dr. Amaka Ngene, said the flag- off marked a defining moment in the journey of education reform—not just in Enugu State, but across Nigeria.

“The official flag-off of the National Teacher Career Pathway Policy is more than a policy launch; it is a bold affirmation that teachers matter, and that their growth, recognition, and professional dignity are central to our national development.

Pix: Dr. Amaka Ngene

“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu State continues to lead with purpose. This policy will open structured, merit-based pathways for teachers to grow within the profession—whether as master educators, instructional leaders, or policy influencers—without having to leave the classroom to be recognized,” she said.

Dr Ngene emphasised that the STVSMB, aligned with the vision. “Our ongoing training program, “21st Century Pedagogy in Science, Technical & Vocational Education,” is a direct response to this call for excellence. It ensures that our technical and vocational educators are not only equipped for modern classrooms but are also positioned to thrive within this new career framework,.

“Let this flag-off be a rallying cry for every teacher: your journey is valid, your growth is supported, and your future is being redefined.

“We celebrate this milestone with gratitude, hope, and a renewed commitment to building an education system that empowers both learners and leaders,” she said.

Pix Prof Mbah , Two Smart teachers

Earlier, Ugo Ali Lawrence spoke on the Career path policy . He said it focuses on teacher’s path to growth.

There were goodwill messages from the Speaker of Enugu state House of Assembly, RT. Hon.. Uche Ugwu ,who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, RT. Hon Ezenta Ezeani, the chairman of Nsukka Local government area, Engr. Chinedu Asogwa, Chairman of ENSUBEB, Prof Francis Okigbo, chairman of Post Primary Schools Management Board, Rev Fr. Dr. Hilary Mbgodile . They all commended Governor Mbah for his huge investment in education , noting that Enugu state was leading in education reform in Nigeria.

The event drew teachers , head teachers, principals , Government officials and other stakeholders from different parts of the state

Author: Maureen Ikpeama