Federal government has announced a new policy framework to vet and verify the criminal records of all teachers across public and private schools in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in a statement on Tuesday, said the initiative will help prevent impersonation, forgery, and the recruitment of unqualified staff in schools.
According to the agency, the initiative—led by Minister of Education Tunji Alausa—is designed to “restore professionalism and accountability” in the education sector by ensuring that only individuals of “sound moral character” are entrusted with educating students.
The policy, called the Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, will be integrated into the existing digital portal of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). This will allow for real-time teacher registration, licensing, and monitoring.
TRCN registrar Ronke Soyombo explained that the upgraded platform will include additional features beyond verification.
She said the digital portal will “not only enhance the quality of teachers but will also include AI-powered lesson planning tools and state-level investigation panels to handle disciplinary issues.”
Nigeria’s education system has long struggled with poor infrastructure, low funding, and a shortage of qualified teachers—factors that have worsened the country’s out-of-school children crisis and contributed to declining standards.
The TRCN, established by law, is mandated to professionalise the teaching workforce through teacher registration, licensing, and continuous professional development.
