The Teaching Service Commission (TSC) has clarified that it is not responsible for issuing or withholding professional teacher registration certificates, following media reports linking the Commission to delays affecting thousands of new teachers.
In a statement released recently, Acting Chairman Maini Mike Ugaia said teacher registration certificates are issued by the National Department of Education (NDoE) to graduates of approved teacher training institutions, while the TSC’s role is limited to employing, admitting and deploying teachers.
“Teacher Registration Certificates are issued by the National Department of Education (NDOE) to all new graduates from approved teacher training institutions under the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST).”
“The Commission functions solely as the employer. We approve the admission and deployment of new graduates and new commencements in the country.”
“A Provisional Registration Certificate is simply one of the TSC admission requirements to enable teachers to enter the teaching workforce.”
The Commission also rejected claims that it sets or enforces the minimum 2.8 Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement for teacher graduates, stating that the standard is determined by the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) for student selection and scholarship purposes.
According to the TSC 3, 614 graduates completed teacher training programs in 2026, but delays in registration from January to June have disrupted teacher appointments and affected the welfare of those already working in schools.
The Commission has urged graduates who began teaching in January to submit their admission applications through their provincial TSC offices immediately.
Those who have not yet received appointments have been advised to complete admission forms now to be considered for the 2027 recruitment cycle, as appointments for 2026 have already closed.
The TSC said it is working to take greater responsibility for all teacher-related matters, arguing that the current system has negatively affected teacher workforce planning over the past five years.
The Commission also thanked the Marape-Rosso Government’s support for consolidating teacher management under the TSC, saying it is prepared to assume full responsibility for teacher welfare, employment and related administrative matters.
