The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has raised the alarm over an alleged wave of fraud targeting teachers and aspiring teachers across the country.
Key Highlights
- TRCN warns teachers about a rising fraud scheme.
- Fraudsters are allegedly impersonating TRCN officials.
- Public advised to use only approved TRCN channels.
- TRCN says it has not authorised agents to collect payments.
- Certificates obtained through unofficial channels will not be recognised.
The council said fraudsters have been impersonating its officials and exploiting its name, logo and reputation to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement issued in Abuja, TRCN Registrar and Chief Executive, Ronke Soyombo, warned teachers and other stakeholders against dealing with individuals claiming to offer registration, certification, licensing, employment or promotion services outside the council’s approved channels.
Soyombo said the council has not authorised any individual, agent, consultant, third party or staff member to collect money or process its services outside its established procedures.
The council specifically warned the public against paying money into private bank accounts, stressing that payments for its services are not made through such channels.
It further cautioned that certificates and licences obtained outside its official procedures would not be recognised.
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The warning comes amid the circulation of messages on social media platforms and other online channels advertising TRCN registration, the professional qualifying examination and other services purportedly offered by the council.
TRCN urged teachers and aspiring teachers to disregard messages circulated through WhatsApp, email, social media platforms and websites claiming to represent the council unless such information can be verified through its official channels.
The council also advised individuals who have already transferred money to suspected fraudsters or received suspicious messages to report the matter to security agencies and notify TRCN through its official communication channels.
According to the council, its legal team is working with security agencies to identify, apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in impersonating the council or defrauding members of the public.
“Such fraudulent acts constitute criminal offences and will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” TRCN warned.
The council urged teachers and other stakeholders to verify information about its services before making payments or responding to offers concerning registration, certification, licensing, employment or promotion.
