Education Minister Tasks NTC to Design New Teacher Qualification Framework as Licensure Exams Face Phase-Out


Education Minister Directs NTC to Develop Alternatives as Government Prepares to Phase Out Licensure Exams

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has instructed the National Teaching Council (NTC) to propose a credible alternative to the current teacher licensure examination system, as the government takes steps to discontinue the exams.

This initiative aligns with a key promise made by President John Mahama during the 2024 election campaign. The Education Minister reaffirmed the administration's commitment to fulfilling that pledge.

“The National Democratic Congress committed to ending the licensure exams, and we intend to honour that promise,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.

As part of the transition process, the Minister announced the formation of a committee to provide strategic guidance on the shift from the existing exam-based qualification framework to a new system. 

He stressed that the future model should incorporate academic coursework and practical field experience directly into teacher education programmes.

“In keeping with our manifesto, we plan to embed this new framework into the curriculum of teacher training institutions so that it becomes an integral part of their academic journey,” he noted.

Furthermore, the Minister directed that the committee consider granting one final opportunity for candidates who were unsuccessful in previous licensure exams to retake the test.

“I believe a final resit opportunity should be explored. While I do not wish to influence the committee’s work, it may be a necessary compromise,” he added.

In a broader address delivered during the inauguration of the new board of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Mr. Iddrisu raised concerns about the quality of graduates produced by tertiary institutions.

He congratulated the newly constituted GTEC board and charged them to remain focused on their regulatory responsibilities. 

“Higher education is the gateway through which many young people enter the workforce. Your task is crucial,” he said.

The Minister acknowledged that although several institutions are performing well, there are recurring complaints—particularly from the private sector—about the competence of graduates.

“There are legitimate concerns about graduate readiness. Interviews conducted across both public and private sectors reveal questions about graduate quality. While many institutions are doing their best, others fall short of expectations,” he emphasized.

He urged GTEC to intensify its oversight and work towards improving standards across the board, noting that tertiary institutions play a vital role in advancing access, relevance, and quality (ARQ) in higher education.

“Some universities are producing excellent results, but there’s always room for improvement. We must support our institutions in raising the bar,” the Minister concluded.

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