The Federal Government has introduced a Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework, requiring all teachers in both public and private schools to undergo ethics screening and criminal background checks before employment.
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced the policy on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal and its new strategic vision for the teaching profession.
He said the initiative is part of wider reforms to restore dignity, accountability, and professionalism in Nigeria’s education sector.
“No teacher, whether in public or private institutions, will henceforth be employed without undergoing ethics screening and criminal background checks. Private school owners must also verify the TRCN registration and ethical clearance of their teachers,” Alausa stated.
The framework will be integrated into the TRCN digital portal, which enables real-time teacher registration, licensing, and monitoring. According to the minister, this will help schools, government agencies, and stakeholders confirm teachers’ credentials, curb impersonation, prevent forgery, and eliminate unqualified staff.
He emphasized that the policy is designed to protect the integrity of classrooms by ensuring that only individuals of sound moral character and proven ethical conduct are entrusted with educating future generations.
