National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) has welcomed Cabinet’s approval of the Teaching Profession Bill of 2025, which mandates licensure examinations for newly trained teachers.
In a phone interview with ZANIS, NAQEZ Executive Director Aaron Chansa noted that currently, the Teaching Council of Zambia lacks a solid basis for registering teachers and issuing practicing licenses.
Dr Chansa observed that anyone with a certificate and the required fee can be registered as a teacher, regardless of their quality.
He noted that the introduction of licensure exams will help to assess individuals’ knowledge, methodology and professionalism before they are registered as teachers.
“This will ensure that only those who meet the required standards are allowed to practice. NAQEZ is confident that the Cabinet’s approval will lead to the enactment of the bill into law, which will significantly improve the quality of teachers in Zambia,” said Dr Chansa.
He also urged Members of Parliament and the general citizenry to support the bill and enact it into law.
“NAQEZ invites all citizens to support this development, because it will help colleges and universities to produce quality teachers who are essential for quality education, which in turn is crucial for national development,” said Dr Chansa.
He explained that the Teaching Profession Bill of 2025 aims to elevate the quality of education across the country by ensuring that teachers are competent and qualified.
“The licensure exam will assess prospective teachers’ knowledge, skills, and professional competencies, ensuring that only the best educators enter the classrooms,” said Dr Chansa.
“NAQEZ believes that the introduction of licensure exams will greatly enhance the quality assurance and professionalism of the teaching profession,” he added.
