TRCN warns teachers against fake portals, agents, invalid certificates
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has warned teachers, school owners and prospective applicants against falling victim to fraudulent individuals and online platforms allegedly using the council’s name, logo and identity to defraud members of the public.
The warning was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Dr Ronke Soyombo, who said the council had become aware of growing fraudulent activities involving the impersonation of the council and the extortion of unsuspecting members of the public.
She said TRCN has not authorised any individual, agent, consultant, third party or member of staff to collect money or process registration, certification, licensing, employment or promotion outside the council’s approved procedures and official channels.
“It has not authorised any individual, agent, consultant, third party or any member of staff to collect money, process registration, secure employment, facilitate certification, licensing, promotions, or render any TRCN service outside the Council’s officially approved procedures and channels,” she said.
Soyombo also clarified that the council’s official website, www.trcn.gov.ng, remains the only approved online platform for information concerning its programmes and services.
“The Council DOES NOT own or operate any other portal other than our official website: www.trcn.gov.ng,” the statement said.
The council specifically cautioned teachers and other stakeholders against making payments into personal bank accounts, stressing that payments for its services should only be made through officially approved channels.
It further warned that certificates and licences obtained through unofficial processes would not be recognised by the council.
“Certificates and Licenses issued outside our official process are FAKE, INVALID and NOT RECOGNISED by the Council,” it stated.
The warning comes amid the proliferation of websites, social media accounts and messages circulating on platforms such as WhatsApp and other social media, purporting to offer TRCN registration, Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), certification and other council services.
The council urged members of the public to disregard unverified information and payment requests received through unofficial websites, social media platforms, emails, WhatsApp messages or individuals claiming to be acting on behalf of TRCN.
It advised anyone who had already made payments to suspected fraudsters or received suspicious calls, messages or payment requests in the name of the council to report such incidents to the appropriate security agencies and notify TRCN through its official communication channels.
TRCN also disclosed that it had directed its legal advisers and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals found 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,” the council warned.
The council urged teachers, school owners and other stakeholders to always verify information through its official channels before making payments or taking any action relating to TRCN registration, licensing, certification, PQE or other services.