The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) is developing an artificial intelligence-powered lesson system to generate classroom resources for teachers. This initiative aims to modernize teaching and professional standards nationwide. The council is creating standardized lesson plans in collaboration with selected teachers from public and private schools across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. These plans will support teachers and form the basis for an AI-powered system capable of generating classroom materials.
TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, emphasized that the deployment of technology in schools should support teachers rather than displace them. She stated that AI is meant to support teaching, not replace teachers. AI can assist with lesson preparation and differentiated instruction, while educators remain responsible for providing human and emotional support to learners. The council is reviewing its professional standards and regulatory framework to accommodate emerging technologies, particularly the increasing use of AI in education.
A meeting between Soyombo and GMind AI co-founder and CEO, Dr. Success Ojo, led to a proposed partnership on AI adoption in education. GMind Academy offered to train 774 AI Adoption Specialists free of charge, one specialist for each of Nigeria's 774 local government areas. These specialists will serve as local AI adoption champions, assisting teachers, schools, and education stakeholders in understanding and responsibly deploying AI in teaching, learning, and school administration.
The proposed partnership includes GMind Academy's Certified AI-Ready Teacher program, which trains educators in using AI for teaching, learning, assessment, and productivity. The program also covers responsible technology adoption. Ojo proposed that teachers who complete the program should be eligible for recognized professional development credits, subject to TRCN approval and existing regulations. This arrangement could integrate AI competency into teachers' continuing professional development.
TRCN is introducing changes to teacher certification, child protection, and examination administration. The council has incorporated child-protection and safeguarding certification into its Professional Qualifying Examination, making safeguarding training compulsory for prospective teachers seeking professional registration. TRCN is also working with the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies to develop a criminal-records framework aimed at strengthening child protection in schools.
The council has introduced a toll-free reporting line to improve public access and facilitate complaints concerning teachers and school safety. TRCN has expanded its digital testing infrastructure, with some centers capable of accommodating up to 5,000 candidates simultaneously. The upgraded examination platform incorporates remote-proctoring technology as TRCN moves more of its professional certification processes online.
The proposed partnership with TRCN would take practical AI expertise beyond technology professionals and embed it within education communities, including schools outside major urban centers. If implemented, the 774-specialist program would establish an AI adoption network covering every local government area in the country, providing teachers and schools with local support as the education sector responds to the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Key points
- TRCN partners with GMind Academy to develop AI-powered lesson system and train AI Adoption Specialists nationwide.
- The initiative aims to modernize teaching and professional standards nationwide.
- TRCN introduces changes to teacher certification, child protection, and examination administration.
