The Federal Government has made ethics and criminal background checks mandatory for all teachers in public and private schools across Nigeria.
This followed the launch of the Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, unveiled on Monday, August 25, in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the launch of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal and new strategic vision for the teaching profession.
Dr. Alausa said the policy forms part of ongoing reforms to restore dignity, professionalism, and accountability in the education sector.
“No teacher, whether in public or private institutions, will henceforth be employed without undergoing ethics screening and criminal background checks. Private school owners will also be required to verify the TRCN registration and ethical clearance of their teachers,” the minister stated.
He explained that the framework would be integrated into the TRCN digital portal, which enables real-time teacher registration, licensing, and monitoring to ensure compliance. The system, he added, will allow school owners, government agencies, and stakeholders to verify teachers’ credentials, thereby curbing impersonation, forgery, and the recruitment of unqualified personnel.
“This policy will safeguard the integrity of the classroom by ensuring that only individuals of sound moral character and proven ethical conduct are entrusted with nurturing future generations,” Alausa emphasized.
TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, noted that about 30 per cent of school-age children in Nigeria still lack basic literacy skills. She said the new portal incorporates AI-powered lesson planning tools, criminal record checks, and teachers’ investigation panels across all states to improve teacher quality.
Also speaking, Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, Ian Attfield, reaffirmed the UK government’s support for Nigeria’s education reforms. He said the Commission collaborated with TRCN in designing the portal, describing the initiative as “herculean but achievable” in addressing the complexities of Nigeria’s education system.