Nigerian teachers are calling for an upgrade of institutional email systems in schools across the country. This follows the UK's decision to remove Nigeria and Ghana from the direct Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) fast-track application route. The change, effective from September 9, 2026, was made due to concerns over the verification of work references submitted by applicants from Nigeria and Ghana. The UK government found that over 70% of applications from the two countries used personal email addresses for work references.
The UK's decision is expected to create additional difficulties for Nigerian-trained teachers seeking to work in England. Isaac Moji, a Nigerian teacher at Olumawu School in Abuja, described the development as a major setback for Nigerian- and Ghanaian-trained teachers. He argued that the official email requirement could now pose a serious hurdle for applicants. Moji's concerns are shared by many in the education sector, who believe that the lack of reliable institutional email systems will hinder the chances of Nigerian teachers working abroad.
The headmistress of Divine Academy in Abuja, Mrs. Grace Agbo, noted that the use of personal email addresses for formal academic or institutional correspondence is not suitable. She attributed the problem to weaknesses in some schools' digital infrastructure. Agbo emphasized that the requirement for official email addresses is reasonable and that schools should be able to provide verifiable email addresses for professional references.
Agbo further stated that where an applicant has genuinely acquired work experience from a properly registered and reputable school in Nigeria, verification should not be a major obstacle. She stressed that the Nigerian government should ensure strict standards in home schools, especially private schools, to upgrade their online presence for easy correspondence. This, she believes, will facilitate the verification process for teachers seeking to work abroad.
The UK government's decision to remove Nigeria from the QTS fast-track route highlights the need for Nigerian schools to improve their digital infrastructure. The use of personal email addresses for work references has raised concerns about the authenticity of applications. As a result, Nigerian teachers may face additional challenges when applying for teaching positions in England.
Educators in Nigeria believe that an upgrade of institutional email systems is essential to facilitate the verification process for teachers seeking to work abroad. They argue that this will not only benefit teachers but also enhance the reputation of Nigerian schools. The Nigerian government is expected to take steps to address the issue and ensure that schools have reliable institutional email systems.
The development has sparked a renewed focus on the need for Nigerian schools to invest in digital infrastructure. This includes the provision of official email addresses for teachers and staff. By doing so, Nigerian schools can ensure that their teachers can apply for teaching positions abroad without facing unnecessary hurdles. The upgrade of institutional email systems is seen as a critical step towards improving the country's education sector.
Key points
- The UK's decision to remove Nigeria from the QTS fast-track route was due to concerns over the verification of work references submitted by applicants.
- Nigerian teachers are calling for an upgrade of institutional email systems to facilitate the verification process for teachers seeking to work abroad.
- The Nigerian government is expected to take steps to address the issue and ensure that schools have reliable institutional email systems.
