FG Mandates Ethics and Criminal Background Checks for All Teachers
The Federal Government has introduced a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, making it mandatory for all teachers in public and private schools to undergo ethics screening and criminal background checks before employment.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who launched the initiative in Abuja alongside the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, said the move is part of broader reforms aimed at restoring dignity, accountability, and professionalism in Nigeria’s education system.
Under the new policy, no teacher will be employed without ethical clearance and verification of TRCN registration, with private school owners also required to comply. The framework will be integrated into the TRCN digital portal, enabling real-time monitoring of teacher registration, licensing, and ethical standards.
The minister explained that this measure will help curb impersonation, forgery, and the recruitment of unqualified staff, ensuring that only individuals of sound moral character are entrusted with nurturing young learners.
TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, highlighted that around 30 per cent of Nigerian children are still unable to read and write, stressing that the new system, equipped with AI-powered lesson planning, criminal checks, and teachers’ investigation panels, will help improve learning outcomes.
The reform also received international backing. Senior Education Adviser at the British High Commission, Ian Attfield, noted the UK government’s support for Nigeria’s teacher development efforts, describing the reform as “herculean but achievable.”
At its core, this initiative is about safeguarding the child’s right to quality education in a safe and supportive environment, a right that can only be realized when teachers are competent, accountable, and ethically sound.
