The Federal Government has introduced a mandatory Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, requiring all teachers in public and private schools to undergo ethics screening and criminal background checks before employment.
The initiative, announced by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, aims to restore dignity, accountability, and professionalism to Nigeria's education system.
According to Alausa, the verification framework will be integrated into the Teachers' Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, enabling real-time teacher registration, licensing, and monitoring.
The system will allow school administrators, government agencies, and stakeholders to confirm teachers' credentials and compliance with ethical standards, thereby preventing cases of impersonation, forgery, and unqualified staff in schools.
Alausa emphasized that the 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.
TRCN Registrar Dr. Ronke Soyombo noted that despite challenges, the new digital portal is designed to enhance teacher quality through features such as AI-powered lesson planning, criminal record checks, and teachers' investigation panels in every state.
Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, Ian Attfield, reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to supporting Nigeria's teacher development efforts, expressing optimism that the initiative will motivate teachers and improve education standards across the country.
Attfield acknowledged the complexity of Nigeria's education system but emphasized the need for an integrated system that combines accountability with incentives to enhance teaching quality.