PROFESSIONALISM AND FUNCTIONAL TEACHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: ISSUES OF QUALITY ASSURANCE AND TEACHER PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Teachers are regarded as custodians and transmitters of knowledge that inspires functionalities and keeps the society going. Their training or upbringing within teacher training is a reflection of their professional callings. It is in the light of this that this paper highlights teaching profession and functional teacher education, focusing on the goals of teacher education, the criteria of profession vis-a-vis teaching profession in Nigeria and the inherent contradiction of professionalism and teacher education. Recommendations are made as to strengthen professionalism and [functional teacher education in Nigeria.