To:
The Honourable Minister of Education,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Through:
The Registrar/Chief Executive,
Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN)

Subject: Petition for the Review of the Increase in the Fee for the Letter of Professional Standing

Your Excellency,

We, the undersigned Nigerian teachers and education stakeholders, respectfully write to express our deep concern regarding the recent increase in the fee for obtaining a Letter of Professional Standing from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

According to the communication from the Council, the fee for applicants seeking employment in the United Kingdom has been increased to ₦250,000, while applicants to other countries are expected to pay ₦300,000. This represents a substantial increase from the previous fee of approximately ₦70,000.

As professionals committed to the advancement of education in Nigeria, we believe this increase is excessive and places an unfair financial burden on teachers for the following reasons:

Low Salaries of Nigerian Teachers:
The majority of teachers in Nigeria earn modest salaries, with many in public and private schools struggling to meet basic living expenses. Requiring a payment of ₦250,000–₦300,000 for a single administrative document is beyond the reach of many educators.
Barrier to Career Development:
The Letter of Professional Standing is often required for teachers pursuing employment or professional registration abroad. The new fee effectively prevents qualified teachers from accessing international career opportunities and professional growth.
Disproportionate Increase:
An increase from ₦70,000 to ₦250,000 (or ₦300,000) represents an increase of over 250%, which is difficult to justify, especially without a publicly available explanation of the costs involved.
Economic Hardship:
Nigeria continues to experience high inflation, rising living costs, and economic challenges. Introducing such a significant increase at this time places additional hardship on professionals who are already financially constrained.
Recognition of Teachers' Contributions:
Teachers are fundamental to national development. Policies affecting their welfare should encourage professional advancement rather than create financial obstacles.
We therefore respectfully request that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria:

Immediately review and reverse the current fee increase.
Restore the previous fee or adopt a more reasonable amount that reflects the economic realities faced by Nigerian teachers.
Provide a transparent explanation of how the current fees were determined.
Engage teacher unions and professional associations before implementing future fee adjustments.
Consider introducing discounted or subsidized rates for teachers seeking professional standing certificates.
We remain committed to upholding the integrity and professionalism of the teaching profession and trust that our concerns will receive prompt and favourable consideration.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Yours faithfully,

Concerned Nigerian Teachers and Education Stakeholders