Instructor Approval Framework
National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria)
Regulatory Framework Manual
Part VI — Instructor Approval Framework
**Version:** 1.0
1. Purpose
The Instructor Approval Framework establishes the standards, qualifications, responsibilities, approval process, and governance for individuals authorised to deliver caregiver education under the authority of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria).
The objective of this Framework is to ensure that all learners receive high-quality education from competent, ethical, and professionally qualified instructors who uphold the standards of NIC Nigeria.
Only instructors approved by NIC Nigeria may deliver accredited programmes under the Institute's authority.
2. Objectives
This Framework seeks to:
Establish national standards for caregiver educators.
Ensure consistency in teaching quality across all Accredited Training Partners.
Promote excellence in teaching and learning.
Encourage lifelong professional development among instructors.
Protect the integrity and reputation of NIC Nigeria qualifications.
3. Scope
This Framework applies to:
Instructors employed by Accredited Training Partners.
Instructors engaged directly by NIC Nigeria.
Guest lecturers delivering accredited programmes.
Clinical supervisors where applicable.
Future trainer categories established by NIC Nigeria.
4. Categories of Approved Instructors
NIC Nigeria recognises the following instructor categories.
4.1 Approved Instructor
An individual authorised to teach NIC Nigeria-approved programmes.
May deliver:
Fundamental Caregiving Programme.
Approved Advanced Specialty Programmes.
Short courses approved by NIC Nigeria.
4.2 Senior Approved Instructor
An experienced instructor who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and academic leadership.
May additionally:
Mentor new instructors.
Lead curriculum review activities.
Participate in academic audits.
Serve on curriculum and accreditation panels.
4.3 Master Instructor
The highest instructional designation within NIC Nigeria.
Master Instructors may:
Lead national training initiatives.
Train and certify instructors.
Advise the Governing Council on education standards.
Represent NIC Nigeria at national and international educational engagements.
5. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
An applicant for Instructor Approval shall:
Be an active member of NIC Nigeria.
Be in good professional standing.
Hold the NIC National Certified Nursing Assistant (NCNA) credential or another qualification recognised by NIC Nigeria as appropriate for the subject to be taught.
Have successfully completed the NIC Nigeria Fundamental Caregiving Programme.
Have successfully completed at least one NIC Nigeria Advanced Specialty Programme.
Demonstrate competence in the subject area.
Demonstrate good communication and facilitation skills.
Agree to comply with all NIC Nigeria policies and the Code of Ethics.
NIC Nigeria may prescribe additional qualification requirements for specialist programmes.
6. Instructor Approval Process
Applicants shall:
Submit an Instructor Approval application.
Provide evidence of qualifications.
Provide evidence of professional experience.
Undergo verification of credentials.
Participate in an interview or teaching demonstration where required.
Receive an approval decision.
Successful applicants shall receive:
Approved Instructor Status.
Instructor Identification Number.
Digital Instructor Badge.
Listing in the NIC Nigeria Approved Instructor Register.
7. Instructor Responsibilities
Approved Instructors shall:
Deliver approved curricula faithfully.
Prepare adequately for all teaching sessions.
Maintain accurate attendance and assessment records.
Assess learners fairly and objectively.
Provide timely academic feedback.
Maintain professional boundaries with learners.
Protect confidential student information.
Support students requiring additional academic assistance.
Report academic misconduct.
Promote ethical caregiving practice.
8. Professional Standards
Approved Instructors shall demonstrate:
Professional competence.
Integrity.
Respect.
Fairness.
Accountability.
Cultural sensitivity.
Commitment to continuous learning.
Commitment to evidence-based practice.
9. Performance Evaluation
NIC Nigeria may evaluate instructors through:
Student feedback.
Classroom observations.
Assessment quality reviews.
Academic audits.
Completion rates.
Compliance with Institute policies.
Professional conduct records.
Evaluation outcomes shall be used to support professional growth and maintain teaching quality.
10. Continuing Professional Development
Approved Instructors are expected to maintain and improve their professional knowledge and teaching competence.
NIC Nigeria may prescribe minimum Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements as part of instructor renewal once the CPD Framework is implemented.
11. Instructor Register
NIC Nigeria shall maintain a secure register of Approved Instructors.
The register shall include:
Instructor Identification Number.
Membership Number.
Approval category.
Areas of teaching approval.
Approval status.
Institution(s) of engagement.
Date of approval.
Renewal status.
A public version of the register may be made available for verification purposes.
12. Instructor Approval Validity
Instructor Approval shall remain valid while:
The instructor remains an active member of NIC Nigeria.
The instructor remains in good professional standing.
Any applicable renewal requirements are satisfied.
NIC Nigeria may introduce periodic renewal requirements to ensure continued competence.
13. Suspension
Instructor Approval may be suspended where an instructor:
Commits academic misconduct.
Breaches the Code of Ethics.
Falsifies learner records.
Misuses NIC Nigeria branding or credentials.
Demonstrates unsafe or unprofessional conduct.
Fails to comply with Institute policies.
During suspension, the instructor shall not deliver accredited programmes under the authority of NIC Nigeria.
14. Revocation
Instructor Approval may be revoked where serious or repeated misconduct is established, including:
Fraud or misrepresentation.
Persistent academic malpractice.
Abuse of learners.
Criminal conduct relevant to professional practice.
Repeated failure to maintain required standards.
A revoked instructor shall be removed from the Approved Instructor Register.
15. Appeals
Applicants and Approved Instructors may appeal decisions relating to approval, suspension, or revocation in accordance with the NIC Nigeria Complaints, Appeals & Disciplinary Framework.
16. Responsibilities of Accredited Training Partners
Accredited Training Partners shall:
Employ or engage Approved Instructors for all accredited programmes.
Verify the approval status of instructors before assigning teaching responsibilities.
Support instructors in maintaining professional competence.
Notify NIC Nigeria of changes affecting instructor status.
Cooperate with instructor evaluations and audits.
No Accredited Training Partner shall deliver NIC Nigeria-accredited programmes without at least one Approved Instructor.
17. Recognition and Awards
NIC Nigeria may recognise outstanding instructional excellence through honours such as:
Instructor of the Year.
Excellence in Teaching Award.
Innovation in Caregiver Education Award.
Outstanding Student Mentor Award.
Distinguished Service in Caregiver Education.
Such recognition promotes excellence and encourages continuous improvement in caregiver education.
18. Review
This Framework shall be reviewed periodically by the Governing Council of the National Institute of Caregivers (NIC Nigeria) to ensure that instructional standards remain aligned with educational best practices, national priorities, and the evolving needs of the caregiving profession.
Need Support with Compliance?
Our registry department provides technical guidance for facilities to meet these national standards.