How FG’s New Criminal Screening for Teachers Affects Schools
On August 25, 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria introduced a mandatory Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, requiring all teachers in public and private schools to undergo ethics screening and criminal background checks before employment.
Announced by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa in Abuja during the launch of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, the initiative aims to restore dignity, accountability, and professionalism to the teaching sector.
The TRCN portal integrates real-time registration, licensing, and monitoring, allowing school administrators and stakeholders to verify teachers’ credentials and ethical compliance, reducing impersonation, forgery, and unqualified staffing. Private schools must also verify TRCN registration and ethical clearance.
TRCN Registrar Dr. Ronke Soyombo highlighted that 30% of Nigerian children cannot read or write, emphasizing the portal’s features like AI-powered lesson planning and state-level investigation panels to boost teaching quality.
The UK’s British High Commission, through Senior Education Adviser Ian Attfield, pledged support, noting the complexity of Nigeria’s education system and the need for integrated data and incentives. The reform is described as “herculean but achievable,” aiming to protect students and elevate education standards.
About the Author
