Teachers Code of Conduct-Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONALISATION OF TEACHIING IN NIGERIA

CATEGORIZATION OF TEACHERS

Following the provisions of the TRCN Act, teachers are categorized into four classes namely:

A – Class: Holders of Ph.D in Education or PhD in other field plus Education (e.g. PGDE, NCE)

B-Class: Holders of Masters degree in Education or Masters in other field plus Education (e.g. PGDE, NCE)

C-Class: Holders of Bachelors degree in Education or Bachelors in other field plus education (e.g. PGDE, NCE)

D-Class: Holders of Nigeria Certificate in Education ( NCE ) or equivalent;

NOTE: Holders of TC II and equivalent are given only provisional registration, which shall expire at end of 2006.

• LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

To be legally recognized as a teacher in Nigeria , an individual must register with TRCN. The TRCN Act section 6 (1) further states that to be registered, an individual must:

Pass a qualifying examination accepted by the Council and complete the practical teaching prescribed by the Council under the Act or

Not being a Nigerian, hold a qualification granted outside Nigeria which for the time being is recognized by the Council and is by law entitled to practice the profession in the country in which the qualification was granted provided that the other country accords Nigerian professional teachers the same reciprocal treatment and that he satisfies the Council that he has had sufficient practical experience as a teacher.
Be of good character
Have attained the age of twenty-one years
Not have been convicted in Nigeria or elsewhere of an offence involving fraud or dishonesty.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

To be registered and to retain one's name on the Teachers Register, a teacher is required to comply with other TRCN provisions regarding:

(a) Internship after graduation from school

(b) Licensing

( c) Mandatory Continuing Professional Education

(d) Annual Subscription and

(e) Any other requirements that may be made from time to time.

OBLIGATIONS OF TEACHERS

(a) Professional Standards :

Teachers should seek to achieve the highest professional standards in all their works and uphold the honour and integrity of the profession.

(b) Professional Commitment :

Teachers should have an enduring absolute commitment to the profession, giving maximum attention and responsibility to the profession, aspiring to make a successful career within the system, and taking pride in the profession.

c) Efficiency:

Teachers should render efficient and cost-effective professional service at all times.

(d) Evaluation of learners' performance :

Teachers should evaluate periodically the learners' performance and render all professional assistance likely to enable learners to identify and excel in their skills.

(e) Precepts:

Teachers should be dedicated and faithful in all professional undertakings being punctual, thorough, conscientious and dependable.

(f) Arbitration :

Teachers should submit themselves to the summons and arbitration of Teachers Investigation Panel and Teachers Disciplinary Committee as and when the need arises.

RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF REGISTERED TEACHERS

Registered teachers shall enjoy the rights and privileges listed below:

(a) Legal status as teachers.

(b) Freedom to attach to their names, titles or prefixes as maybe determined by TRCN for the identification of registered teachers in Nigeria .

(c ) Freedom to impart their professional skills, knowledge and values within the education system, subject to regulation by TRCN.

(d) Participation in all TRCN activities that are open to members

(e) Letters of credence from TRCN when required by foreign Teachers Councils or other relevant bodies around the world.

(f) Professional salary scales, allowances and other benefits that may be secured by TRCN for registered teachers.

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

In order that teachers in Nigeria maintain professional standards of practice and conduct that are universally acceptable and also meet the demands of Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria regarding ethics and quality of professional practice, all teachers shall be guided and bound by the rules contained in the Teachers Code of Conduct.

Teachers shall be guilty of professional misconduct if Teachers Disciplinary Committee (TDC) which is set-up by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria rules that they have contravened any or all of the rules in the Teachers Code of Conduct.

This shall be subject to the following conditions:

i. An allegation of misconduct must have been made against such teachers.

ii. An investigation into such an allegation involving the persons in question must be carried out by the Teachers investigation panel (TIP).

iii. A proper trial must be conducted by the Teachers Disciplinary Committee (TDC) in which they are given all opportunities to defend their actions and conducts. Penalties shall be imposed in any of the ways prescribed by Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Act 31 of 1993.

OTHER RELEVANT LAWS

Apart from the TRCN Act, teachers in the pursuit of their professional calling are to familiarize themselves with and abide by the provisions of other relevant laws that relate to the performance of their duties. These laws include:

(a) United Nations Declaration on Human Right, 1947

(b) Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000

( c) The Child Rights Law, 2003.

Chapter 3