More than 4,000 Nigerian teachers failed the May 2025 edition of the Professional Qualifying Examination, a mandatory test organized by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria to assess competence in the profession.
According to official figures released by the council, 13,782 candidates enrolled for the Batch A examination held between May 15 and 17, 2025. Of these, 12,874 teachers—representing 93.4%—actually sat for the test, while 908 candidates were absent.
A total of 8,705 candidates, about 67.62%, passed the exam, while 4,169 teachers (32.38%) did not meet the required benchmark.
Lagos State emerged as the top-performing state, recording an 80% pass rate. It was followed by Edo State (73.3%), Niger State (69.2%), and the Federal Capital Territory (68.3%).
The TRCN identified limited digital skills among some teachers as a significant obstacle during the examination. “We observed that the performance of a number of candidates was affected by poor digital literacy,” the council noted in its performance review. “This is an area we are now addressing with urgent measures.”
To tackle the challenge, the council announced plans to roll out support initiatives, including online access to curriculum guides, previous examination papers, and targeted digital literacy training for educators.
“All candidates who took part in the examination can access their results through our official websites: www.fron.gov.ng and www.trcnigeria.ng, or by visiting any of our state or liaison offices,” the council said. Successful candidates are encouraged to proceed with the processing of their teaching certificates and professional licenses.
The TRCN emphasized that the validity of the PQE result is limited to one year from the date of release. Those who failed the May exam are urged to undergo ICT and pedagogical training in preparation for the next exam window in November 2025.
“Candidates who could not make the required grade should not be discouraged,” the TRCN advised. “Instead, they should see this as an opportunity to improve themselves and prepare better.”
The council reiterated that passing the PQE is a prerequisite for obtaining a teaching license in Nigeria. Teachers who repeatedly fail or fail to resit the exam risk being disqualified from practicing in the public education system.