The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has warned teachers, school owners and prospective applicants that certificates and licences obtained through unofficial channels are fake and will not be recognised by the council.
The warning followed the council’s discovery of fraudulent activities by individuals and groups allegedly using its name, logo and reputation to deceive and extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, TRCN said it had not authorised any agent, consultant, third party or staff member to collect money or process registration, certification, licensing, employment or promotion outside its approved procedures and official channels.
The council stated: “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.”
TRCN also warned the public against unauthorised online platforms purporting to provide access to its registration, Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), certification and other services.
According to the council, www.trcn.gov.ng is its only approved online platform for information about its programmes and services.
“The Council DOES NOT own or operate any other portal other than our official website: www.trcn.gov.ng,” it said.
The council further cautioned members of the public against making payments into personal bank accounts, stressing that it does not collect payments through such channels.
It warned that anyone who obtains TRCN certificates or licences through unofficial processes risks having the documents rejected.
“Certificates and Licenses issued outside our official process are FAKE, INVALID and NOT RECOGNISED by the Council,” the statement said.
TRCN urged teachers and other stakeholders to disregard unverified information circulated through social media, WhatsApp, emails and websites claiming to represent the council.
It advised anyone who had already paid suspected fraudsters or received suspicious calls, messages or payment requests in its name to report the matter to security agencies and notify the council through its official communication channels.
The council said it had directed its legal advisers and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute persons found impersonating TRCN 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,” it said.
TRCN urged teachers, school owners and prospective applicants to verify information through its official channels before making payments or taking any action relating to its services.
