By Fatima Idris
Today marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian education sector as the Honourable Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman OON SAN, presided over the public presentation of the Professional Standards for School Leadership in Nigeria.
This landmark event, held in Abuja, underscores the nation’s commitment to elevating the quality of education through exemplary leadership.
In his keynote address, Prof Mamman expressed his delight in participating in this momentous occasion. He stated, “This event marks a significant milestone in our continuous journey to improve the quality of education within our country. Education is the bedrock of our society, shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. At the heart of this transformative process are our school leaders whose roles are pivotal. You are the torchbearers of educational excellence, guiding our schools to achieve the qualitative standards of learning and development.”
The Professional Standards for School Leadership unveiled today serve as a comprehensive framework designed to support and enhance the effectiveness of school leadership. These standards are not merely guidelines but a vision of exemplary leadership, providing a clear pathway for professional growth and institutional success. Prof Mamman highlighted the critical role of strong, visionary leadership, especially in the face of 21st-century challenges such as the global pandemic, technological advancements and evolving societal expectations.
The newly unveiled standards are anchored on key principles reflecting core values, Prof Mamman extended his deepest gratitude to the educators, policymakers, and experts who contributed to the development of these standards. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting school leaders through necessary resources, training, and ongoing development.
In his remarks, Prof Mamman stated, “The heart of education is the teachers. They are the drivers. All we do at the policy and management levels is to provide them with the appropriate environment to drive the education system.”
Prof Mamman also stressed the importance of supporting teachers and recognizing their critical role in shaping the future of students. He highlighted the federal government’s commitment to prioritizing teacher support and professional development, ensuring that educational goals and policies are met, and promoting inclusivity and access to education for all children.
Registrar and Executive Secretary of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Prof. Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, expressed his delight at the public presentation of the newly reviewed Professional Standards for School Leadership in Nigeria. He acknowledged the invaluable collaboration and support from partners, including the British Council and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office PLANE.
The Professional Standards for School Leadership, developed by TRCN, aims to establish clear and consistent standards for school leaders, focusing on improving educational outcomes and promoting professional growth. The standards encompass five core domains,
These domains specify expected leadership and management behaviours at four performance levels: Beginner, Proficient, Mentor, and Distinguished. The development of these standards represents a significant step towards improving education quality in Nigeria, aligning with international best practices and fostering a global perspective in Nigerian school leadership.
Today’s unveiling reaffirms Nigeria’s dedication to educational excellence, setting a transformative vision for the future of school leadership in the country.