Ministry of Education Directs NTC to Scrap Teacher Licensure Exams by August 30

Accra, July 15, 2025 — The Ministry of Education has directed the National Teaching Council (NTC) to abolish the Teacher Licensure Examinations by August 30, 2025.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the announcement during a policy engagement session, stating that a new model emphasizing academic training, supervised practicum, and structured mentorship will replace the current exam-based system.

“There is still the vest matter of teacher licensure exams. The last of it must be concluded not later than 30th August,” the Minister said. “So Chairman, if there’s a last opportunity for those who sat and couldn’t make it, that process should not travel beyond 30th August. You are to work with the Registrar, get us a firm date, and we put that off.”

The Minister praised the committee overseeing teacher education reforms, noting their “far-reaching recommendations” for a more practical and comprehensive teacher assessment system. He explained that the new model goes beyond paper-based testing, integrating continuous assessment, field supervision, and mentorship to better prepare teachers for real classroom conditions.

“This new model which will guide teacher licensure goes beyond just paper-based exams,” he stated. “It incorporates assessment, supervised practicum evaluations, and structured mentorship programs, ensuring that newly trained teachers demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but classroom competencies.”

The last opportunity to resit the existing licensure exams will be organized before the August deadline, after which the system will be phased out entirely.

The overhaul is part of broader education reforms aimed at improving the quality of teacher preparation and ensuring that newly qualified educators meet both academic and practical professional standards.

Implementation of the new system will begin as soon as practicable after the final round of licensure exams is conducted, the Minister confirmed.

The NTC is expected to release a formal schedule for the final exams and provide further details on the transition to the new model in the coming weeks.