The federal government has introduced a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, making it compulsory for all teachers in public and private schools to undergo background checks before employment.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, was announced through the National Orientation Agency (NOA). According to the ministry, the move is aimed at restoring professionalism and accountability in Nigeria’s education sector while ensuring that those entrusted with shaping the nation’s future possess sound moral character.
The framework will be integrated into the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, launched in August 2025 to modernize teacher registration and licensing. The system is expected to prevent impersonation, certificate forgery, and the recruitment of unqualified staff.
TRCN registrar Dr. Ronke Soyombo, explained that the digital portal would improve quality through AI-powered lesson planning and a revised Professional Qualifying Examination, now focused on five core areas, including mathematics, literacy, and pedagogy. The council will also set up state-level investigation panels to address cases of misconduct and enforce ethical standards among teachers.
Despite these reforms, concerns remain about the qualification levels of teachers in Nigeria. TRCN data shows the country has nearly four million teachers, but only about 2.4 million are registered. Many private school teachers reportedly lack the minimum qualifications required for TRCN registration, which include a Bachelor of Education degree or an equivalent qualification with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
The TRCN, established by law in 1993 and later re-enacted as the TRCN Act in 2004, is mandated to regulate and control the teaching profession across all levels of Nigeria’s education system
