The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has introduced a new app to combat malpractice during its Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), held nationwide in November 2024.
Acting Registrar of TRCN, Dr. Stella-Maria Nwokocha, who disclosed this new initiative while monitoring the exam in Abuja on Saturday, revealed that 16,614 teachers had registered for the November session, which began on November 14.
She explained that the app is designed to prevent impersonation and ensure that only registered teachers are allowed to sit for the exam. “The app helps detect and eliminate any form of impersonation. It ensures that only those officially registered for the examination can take part, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the process,” Nwokocha said.
She also highlighted the improvements in the registration process. “Previously, candidates were manually issued registration numbers, but now, we’ve moved to a system where numbers are automatically generated by the computer. This not only ensures accuracy but also strengthens the transparency of the exam process,” she added.
Addressing the persistent issue of exam malpractice, Nwokocha acknowledged that while eliminating it entirely remains a challenge, the new system marks a significant step forward. “It’s nearly impossible to have an exam without any malpractice, but with the introduction of this app, we are making it harder for malpractices to occur. We’re constantly updating our processes to keep up with emerging challenges,” she noted.
In addition to the anti-malpractice app, Nwokocha mentioned TRCN’s ongoing efforts to digitalise all its processes, including teacher registration and certification. “We’re working towards a fully online system for registration, certification, and licensing. Once the app is fully deployed, it will be a game-changer for teacher accreditation in Nigeria,” she said.
She also called for more government support for teacher quality in Nigeria. “We urge President Tinubu to return the council on government funding for teacher development. While salaries are important, we believe investing in teacher quality and accreditation is equally critical for improving the education system,” Nwokocha emphasised.
Abubakar Isah, Director of ICT at the Ministry of Education, spoke on behalf of Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education.
He praised TRCN for its efficient and peaceful management of the exam. “The examination has been conducted smoothly and without incident. We commend TRCN for the professionalism and organisation displayed,” Isah said.
