The Minister of Education, Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, has confirmed that teacher licensure exams will soon become part of the final year assessments in colleges of education. This change forms part of the government’s plan to phase out the current licensure model by August 30, 2025.
Speaking at a policy meeting in Accra, Mr. Iddrisu said the decision aims to simplify the teacher qualification process. Instead of writing separate licensure exams after graduation, final-year students will now be assessed through a single, comprehensive exam. This exam will test both academic knowledge and professional readiness.
According to the Minister, the move will reduce duplication and ease the transition from training to teaching. It will also ensure that only well-prepared graduates enter the classroom. Mr. Iddrisu emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the National Teaching Council (NTC) and colleges to ensure a smooth rollout.
In addition, he instructed the NTC to allow candidates who previously failed the licensure exam a chance to re-sit it before the new policy takes effect. This opportunity, he stressed, must be offered before the August 30 deadline.
While some education stakeholders welcome the change, others are calling for clear implementation guidelines and support for affected students.
Moving forward, the NTC is expected to release detailed timelines and procedures. This reform, the Minister said, reflects government’s commitment to improving teacher quality and aligning certification processes with global standards.
