Gov’t to Scrap Teacher Licensure Exam by August 30

The government has announced plans to cancel the Teacher Licensure Examination, with the final round of exams set to take place no later than August 30, 2025.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu made the announcement during the inauguration of the newly constituted board of the National Teaching Council (NTC). He said the decision aligns with the government’s goal of shifting away from licensure-based assessments to a more integrated model that evaluates teachers through academic coursework, mentorship, and practical classroom training.

According to the Minister, the August exams will serve as the last opportunity for candidates who have previously failed to re-sit the test. After that, the licensure exam will be completely phased out.

“The government is committed to ensuring a more practical and supportive route to teacher qualification; one that reflects real classroom readiness rather than high-stakes testing,” he said.

The decision fulfills a key promise in President John Mahama’s 2024 election manifesto, which pledged to abolish the exam and introduce a more comprehensive system rooted in in-school assessment and continuous training.

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) and other teacher trainee groups have welcomed the news, calling it a fair and timely intervention that will ease the pressure on aspiring teachers while maintaining professional standards.

The Ministry of Education says it will work closely with education colleges and the NTC to ensure a smooth transition to the new qualification framework.