The Nigeria Union of Teachers in Taraba State has rejected the Federal Ministry of Education's decision to waive JAMB requirements for admission into colleges of education.
Nathan Solomon, the state chairman, announced the union's position on Monday in Jalingo after the NUT's National Executive Council meeting in Abuja where members condemned the policy. He said the union was never consulted before the announcement and wants the decision reversed immediately.
Solomon warned that removing the JAMB requirement undermines the teaching profession at a time when other countries invest heavily in teacher quality. "The decision will negatively affect the standard and dignity of the teaching profession," he said. He pointed out that many nations across the world provide special incentives and attention to teacher recruitment and training, yet Nigeria appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
The union chairman called on stakeholders in the education sector to reconsider the policy in the interest of national development. He also urged JAMB to take steps to safeguard the quality of education in the country. The NUT's resistance to the waiver reflects concerns that lowering entry standards for teacher training institutions could produce poorly qualified educators and further damage the already struggling education system.
