FG introduces mandatory ethics, criminal screening for teachers

The Federal Government has launched a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, making it compulsory for all teachers in public and private schools to undergo ethics screening and criminal background checks before employment.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, unveiled the policy in Abuja on Monday, August 25 during the launch of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal and its new strategic vision for the teaching profession.

He explained that the initiative is part of sweeping reforms aimed at restoring dignity, professionalism, and accountability to Nigeria’s education system.

“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,” Alausa said.

The minister revealed that the framework would be integrated into the TRCN digital portal, which provides real-time teacher registration, licensing, and monitoring to ensure compliance.

He added that the system would enable school owners, government agencies, and other stakeholders to verify teachers’ credentials and adherence to professional standards, addressing issues of 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 stated.

TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing education challenges, disclosing that about 30 per cent of school-age children are still unable to read and write. She noted that the new portal includes AI-powered lesson planning tools, criminal record checks, and teachers’ investigation panels across all states to improve teacher quality.

Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, Ian Attfield, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s education reforms, noting that the Commission collaborated with TRCN to design the portal.

Attfield described Nigeria’s education system as complex, involving public, private, and faith-based schools, but said the integrated system could enhance teaching quality by combining accountability with incentives. He commended the initiative as “herculean but achievable.”

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