The federal government has introduced a mandatory ethics and criminal screening verification framework for all teachers in private and public schools.

The National Orientation Agency, on Tuesday, in a post on X, revealed a plan aimed at conducting a thorough background check on prospective teachers before they are employed.

A justification credited to the minister of education, Tunji Alausa, noted that the initiative was envisioned to restore professionalism and accountability in the education system, as teachers are expected to be individuals of sound moral character.

The agency said, “The framework will be integrated into the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital portal, enabling real-time registration, licensing, and monitoring of teachers. This move is expected to prevent impersonation, forgery, and the employment of unqualified staff in schools.”

The registrar of the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria, Ronke Soyombo, stated that the digital portal will equally enhance teachers’ quality, through features such as AI-powered lesson planning and state-level investigation panels.