NDC’s stance on cancellation of Teacher Licensure Exams Unchanged – Dr. Apaak

Dr. Clement Apaak, the Member of Parliament for the Builsa South constituency, has reiterated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will cancel the teacher licensure exam if the party emerges victorious in the 2024 elections. He maintains that the NDC believes the current exam cannot serve as the optimal method for qualifying teachers for recruitment.

Dr. Apaak’s comments come in response to the National Teaching Council’s (NTC) decision to provide a second opportunity for trainees who did not pass the 2023 Teacher Licensure Exams to retake the test. The NTC has scheduled March 2024 for over 8,000 teachers who fell below the required threshold to retake the exams.

In an interview with Citi News, Dr. Apaak, who also serves as the Deputy Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, affirmed the NDC’s unwavering stance on abolishing the licensure exams if the party assumes power. He stated, “Our position has not changed regarding the cancellation of the licensure exams.

We believe that it is not the best option for licensing teachers. Qualifying as a teacher should not solely depend on passing an exam. The existing flaws need to be addressed within established processes, and the licensing procedure should occur while young teachers are still in school, rather than after.”

In 2023, out of the 20,000 teachers who participated in the exams, 8,000 did not meet the required threshold. Dr. Christian Addea Poku, the Registrar of the National Teaching Council, emphasized the Council’s commitment to ensuring that unsuccessful trainees have the opportunity to retake the exam in March 2024 during an interview with Citi News on Monday.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh