The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has warned teachers, school owners and prospective applicants against fraudulent websites and individuals impersonating the council to collect money for registration, certification and licensing services.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN, Dr Ronke Soyombo, raised the alarm in a statement issued in Abuja, following reports of individuals and groups allegedly using the council’s name, logo and identity to defraud members of the public.
Soyombo said the council had not appointed any agent, consultant, third party or staff member to collect payments or process registration, certification, licensing, employment or promotion outside its approved procedures.
She said the council’s official website, www.trcn.gov.ng, remained its only authorised online platform for information and services.
“The Council does not own or operate any other portal other than our official website: www.trcn.gov.ng,” Soyombo said.
She urged teachers and other stakeholders to be particularly cautious of social media advertisements, WhatsApp messages, emails and websites claiming to provide access to TRCN registration, the Professional Qualifying Examination, certification and other services.
The registrar also warned members of the public against paying money into personal bank accounts, stressing that such payments were not part of the council’s approved processes.
Soyombo said any certificate or licence obtained through unofficial channels would have no validity with the council.
“Certificates and licences issued outside our official process are fake, invalid and not recognised by the council,” she said.
She advised individuals who had already paid suspected fraudsters or received suspicious calls, messages or payment requests in the name of TRCN to report the incidents to security agencies and notify the council through its official communication channels.
According to her, the council had also directed its legal advisers and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate cases of impersonation and fraud and prosecute those found culpable.
“Such fraudulent acts constitute criminal offences and will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.
The registrar urged teachers, school owners and other stakeholders to verify any information about TRCN services through the council’s official channels before making payments or submitting personal information.
She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to protecting the integrity of teacher registration, certification and licensing in Nigeria.
