The Ministry of Education has announced plans to eliminate the teacher licensure exams and introduce a new qualification system to enhance the professional development of teachers in the country.
This decision follows a directive from the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, instructing the National Teaching Council (NTC) to develop a more effective alternative to the existing licensing process.
The move is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign promise during the 2024 elections, in which he pledged to abolish the teacher licensure exams if elected.
Minister Iddrisu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to this pledge, stating that a transition committee has been established to oversee the shift from the current examination structure to a new assessment method designed to ensure competency and professionalism among teachers.
According to the Minister, the proposed qualification system will incorporate both academic training and practical fieldwork, ensuring that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver quality education.
He emphasized that the government is committed to making the transition seamless, minimizing disruptions for prospective teachers who are undergoing training.
Additionally, a final opportunity will be given to candidates who previously failed the licensure exams, allowing them to re-sit before the policy is fully phased out.
Beyond the teacher qualification reforms, Minister Iddrisu expressed concerns regarding the quality of graduates emerging from Ghana’s tertiary institutions.
He highlighted the growing concerns raised by employers in both the public and private sectors about the preparedness of graduates entering the workforce.
Addressing these concerns during the inauguration of the newly appointed board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), he urged the body to intensify regulatory efforts to ensure that universities and other higher education institutions maintain rigorous academic and professional standards.
The Minister noted that while some universities uphold strong academic performance, others fail to meet expectations, necessitating greater oversight from GTEC.
He stressed that Ghana’s higher education system must evolve to produce graduates who meet global standards and contribute meaningfully to national development.
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