FG Introduces Criminal Record Verification for Teachers in Primary and Secondary Schools

• The Federal Government has unveiled a mandatory Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework to enhance accountability in Nigeria’s education sector
• Spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the initiative aims to ensure only morally sound and professionally qualified individuals are entrusted with teaching roles
• Integrated into the TRCN digital portal, the system is set to curb impersonation, certificate forgery, and the employment of unqualified staff in schools nationwide

The Federal Government has introduced a mandatory Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework. The initiative, announced by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), is being led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

According to the Ministry of Education, the newly launched framework is designed to ensure that all teachers, whether in public or private schools, undergo comprehensive background checks prior to employment.

Dr. Alausa stated that the initiative aims to entrust the education of future generations to individuals of sound moral character, thereby restoring integrity to the teaching profession.

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The Ministry further noted that the framework would help eliminate impersonation, certificate forgery, and the hiring of unqualified personnel in schools across the country.

Criminal record verification to be integrated into TRCN

The government confirmed that the Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework will be embedded within the digital portal of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

This integration is expected to streamline access to teacher records and enhance transparency in recruitment processes.

The TRCN portal, which was officially launched in August 2025, serves as a national database for educators. It allows teachers to register, access examination results, and print certificates remotely—eliminating the need to visit state offices.

TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, explained that the portal also features AI-powered lesson planning tools and a revised Professional Qualifying Examination structure.

The exam has been condensed from 23 subjects to five core areas, including mathematics, literacy, and pedagogy, to better reflect essential teaching competencies.

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Dr. Soyombo added that the portal would support state-level investigation panels tasked with addressing cases of misconduct and reinforcing ethical standards among educators.

TRCN raises alarm over teacher qualification gaps

Concerns over the qualifications of Nigeria’s teaching workforce have also been raised by the TRCN. According to TRCN Registrar, Prof. Josiah Ajiboye, Nigeria currently has nearly four million teachers, yet only about 2.4 million are registered with the council.

Prof. Ajiboye highlighted that a significant number of teachers in private schools lack the necessary qualifications to register with TRCN. He clarified that eligible candidates must possess either a Bachelor of Education degree or a BSc/BA degree accompanied by a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or a Professional Diploma in Education.

Established under the TRCN Decree No. 31 of 1993—now TRCN Act CAP T3 of 2004—the council is mandated to regulate and oversee the teaching profession at all levels of Nigeria’s education system.

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The launch of the Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework marks a pivotal step in the Federal Government’s efforts to elevate teaching standards and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s educational institutions.

Source: Legit.ng