Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria Declares War on School Sexual Abuse, Sets Up Nationwide Tribunals and Hotline to Safeguard Children
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria has established a nationwide investigative panel and tribunal across all 36 states in a bid to curb rising cases of sexual abuse and strengthen child safeguarding and protection in schools.
The initiative, announced in Abuja by TRCN Executive Secretary Dr. Ronke Soyombo, also includes the launch of a dedicated hotline for reporting abuse, aimed at ensuring swift response and accountability in cases involving children.
Soyombo said the move is part of broader efforts to improve safety in primary and secondary schools, stressing that learning environments must be secure for children.
According to her, the council has also created a compliance department to vet teachers for criminal records and is working toward building a national database to screen individuals before they are allowed to work with children.
“If you’re a criminal with a sexual offence, you won’t work with children,” she said, noting that the measures are designed to prevent abuse and remove offenders from the education system.
The council said the response from schools and educators has been positive, with stakeholders supporting efforts to strengthen oversight and professionalism within the teaching workforce.
Child safeguarding advocates say the introduction of tribunals and reporting channels could improve how abuse cases are handled, particularly in a system where many incidents go unreported or unresolved.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to raise teaching standards through professional certification, monitoring, and enforcement of ethical conduct.
TRCN said development partners are supporting the reforms, with a focus on sustaining progress in safeguarding and protecting children and ensuring accountability within the education sector.
The council maintained that the measures are aimed at creating safer school environments, where children are protected from abuse and can learn without fear.
