The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification initiative, designed to vet all public and private school teachers nationwide. The move seeks to restore professionalism, accountability, and integrity in the education sector by ensuring that only qualified and morally sound individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of educating the next generation.
The initiative, announced by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and backed by the Federal Ministry of Education under Dr. Tunji Alausa, will be implemented through the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal. It will feature real-time background checks, licensing of qualified professionals, and continuous monitoring of teachers’ conduct.
According to the NOA, the system is expected to unearth unqualified teachers, prevent impersonation, and curb certificate forgery. The scheme will also create a centralised digital space for teachers’ records, promoting transparency in recruitment and professional development.
TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, added that the portal will leverage advanced technology, including AI-powered lesson planning tools, while state-level disciplinary panels will be empowered to handle misconduct cases.
Stakeholders note that the reform comes at a critical time, as Nigeria grapples with low funding, poor infrastructure, examination malpractices, and an increasing number of unqualified teachers. The TRCN Act, which established the council, provides the legal framework to reposition the teaching profession through registration, licensing, and professional development.
The TRCN digital portal, launched in August 2025 in partnership with the UK-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), now anchors this reform agenda. By digitising teachers’ records and enabling real-time professional accountability, the Federal Government says it is committed to redefining standards in Nigeria’s education system and restoring dignity to the teaching profession.
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