The Federal Government on Monday rolled out a new digital portal to streamline teachers’ registration, licensing, and professional development, alongside measures to boost accountability and safety in Nigerian classrooms.
Speaking at the launch of the portal and the Strategic Vision for Nigerian Teachers in Abuja, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative would professionalise teaching and enforce ethical standards nationwide.
A key component of the reform is a mandatory Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification System, which all teachers must undergo before certification or license renewal.
“This is not punitive; it is protective,” Mr Alausa explained. “It is about safeguarding our children and preserving the moral integrity of our classrooms.”
He added that private schools will henceforth be required to confirm the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) clearance of their staff through the portal.
TRCN Registrar, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, described the initiative as part of her 100-day plan to fully digitise operations. With the platform, she said, teachers can register, check results, and print certificates from home without visiting state offices.
Dr. Soyombo also announced changes to the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), now streamlined into five focus areas: foundational mathematics, literacy, digital literacy, safeguarding, and pedagogy. An AI-powered lesson plan generator, expected in October, will further assist teachers.
“This initiative will increase TRCN-certified teachers by 50%, improve child protection, and raise teaching standards to global benchmarks,” she said.
Technology partner, Dr. Patrick Adeleye, CEO of TeckPlus Digital Solutions, noted that the platform addresses long-standing issues in teacher data management. “Until now, there was no accurate national database of certified teachers. This portal provides reliable figures under the Education Management Information System agenda.”
International stakeholders also welcomed the reforms. The British Council’s Director of Programmes, Chikodi Onyemerela, hailed the project as “a milestone in transforming Nigeria’s education system,” while Ian Attfield of the British High Commission said it would enhance teacher motivation and strengthen data-driven planning.
Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, called for the integration of accessibility tools — such as screen readers, sign language, and digital braille — to align with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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