A New Chapter: FG Unveils Portal to Track Teachers Nationwide

The Federal Government has taken a decisive step towards reforming the nation’s education sector with the unveiling of a new digital portal for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). The platform is intended to serve as a central database for all teachers nationwide, effectively creating a verifiable and transparent system to track professionalism and accountability.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the initiative as a major pillar of the government’s strategic vision for Nigerian teachers. “This portal is a clear signal that we are no longer tolerating mediocrity in our classrooms,” Dr. Alausa stated. “It will not only streamline processes but also ensure that every teacher in Nigeria is properly registered, licensed, and undergoes continuous professional development.”

The new portal, which was developed in collaboration with the UK-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE) program, will address a number of long-standing challenges in the education sector. Teachers will now be able to register, access their results, and print their certificates from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to travel to TRCN state offices.

In a move that has been widely praised, the government also announced a mandatory Teacher Ethics and Criminal Record Verification Framework. This framework, which will be integrated into the new portal, requires all teachers—in both public and private schools to undergo comprehensive ethical screening and criminal background checks before they can be employed. This measure is a direct response to concerns about unqualified or ethically compromised individuals entering the teaching profession. “This is not punitive; it is protective,” Dr. Alausa added. “It is about safeguarding our children and upholding the moral integrity of our classrooms.”

The Registrar of the TRCN, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, noted that the initiative is part of her 100-day action plan to digitize the council’s operations. She revealed that the TRCN has also streamlined its professional qualifying examination (PQE) from 23 subjects to five core areas, making it easier for aspiring teachers to become certified. The portal is also designed to offer real-time access to professional development opportunities, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped with the skills needed for a 21st-century classroom.

The new portal and verification framework are expected to lead to a significant increase in the number of certified teachers in Nigeria and strengthen the overall quality of education. By leveraging technology to enhance transparency and efficiency, the government is taking a critical step towards building a more professional and reliable teaching workforce.