Professionalizing Education: A Guide to the TRCN Professional Qualifying Examination at COELS Nguru
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The College of Education and Legal Studies (COELS), Nguru, has officially signaled its readiness to host the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE). In a formal notice issued by the Provost’s office and signed by the TRCN Desk Officer, Sadik Sulaiman, the institution confirmed that the high-stakes assessment is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 6, 2026. This examination serves as a critical gateway for educators in Yobe State and surrounding regions to transition from "teaching practitioners" to "licensed professionals."

The TRCN PQE is not merely an academic exercise; it is a mandatory national certification requirement designed to sanitize the Nigerian teaching profession. By ensuring that every person standing at the front of a classroom possesses the requisite pedagogical knowledge and ethical grounding, the Council aims to elevate the standard of education delivery across the country. For the candidates at COELS Nguru, passing this examination is the final step toward legal recognition as a teacher under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Logistics and Venue Information
To ensure a seamless conduct of the examination, the college has designated the Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan Skill Acquisition Centre as the official venue. This facility, strategically located opposite the Cattle Market on the COELS Nguru campus, provides the necessary infrastructure for a professional examination environment.

Candidates are strictly mandated to report to the venue by 8:30 am prompt. In the culture of professional examinations, punctuality is often used as a first-level assessment of a candidate’s discipline. Late arrival may lead to a total forfeiture of the examination slot, as the TRCN utilizes a synchronized computer-based testing (CBT) or structured written format that leaves little room for delayed starts.

Mandatory Requirements for Hall Access
The TRCN Desk Officer has emphasized that entry into the examination hall is contingent upon the presentation of specific credentials. Candidates who fail to provide these items will be barred from participating in the PQE.

Evidence of Payment: Candidates must present their original bank teller or an automated receipt from the Remita platform. This serves as proof that the examination and registration fees have been successfully remitted to the Council’s account.

Necessary Documents: This includes the registration confirmation slip generated during the application process and any other academic credentials required by the Desk Officer.

Valid Means of Identification: To prevent impersonation and ensure the integrity of the certification, candidates must bring a valid ID. Acceptable forms include a National Identity Card (NIN slip), a Voter’s Card, a Driver’s License, or a valid International Passport.

The Role of the TRCN in Nigerian Education
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria is the regulatory agency under the Federal Ministry of Education tasked with the registration and licensing of teachers at all levels of the education system. The introduction of the PQE was a strategic move to move away from the era where teaching was seen as a "job for everyone." Today, without a TRCN license, an educator is technically considered an "unqualified person" in the eyes of the law, regardless of their university degree or diploma.

The examination at COELS Nguru tests candidates on various domains, including the history of education, educational psychology, curriculum studies, and classroom management. By passing this exam, teachers in Nguru join an elite group of professionals eligible for international teaching opportunities, as the TRCN license is recognized by various global teaching councils.

Final Admonition and Contact Details
As the examination date of February 6, 2026, arrives, the College Management and the TRCN Desk Office have opened communication lines for any last-minute technical or administrative hurdles. Candidates experiencing issues with their registration or venue location should reach out immediately via the official contact numbers: 07065439533 or 08166864145.

The College of Education and Legal Studies, Nguru, remains a pillar of academic excellence in Yobe State. By hosting this examination, the college reaffirms its commitment to producing and certifying only the most capable educators. To all candidates appearing for the PQE, the college wishes you resounding success as you take this definitive step in your professional journey.