By Ngozi Nwankwo
Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria has warned teachers, school owners, and applicants to beware of fake websites, unauthorized agents, and invalid certificates being circulated in its name.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN, Dr. Ronke Soyombo, said in a statement on Tuesday that fraudsters were using the council’s name, logo, and reputation to defraud members of the public.
Soyombo said the council had not appointed any individual, agent, consultant, or staff member to collect money or process registration, certification, licensing, employment, or promotion outside its official procedures.
“It has not authorized 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.
The council said www.trcn.gov.ng is its sole official website and online platform for information and services.
“The Council DOES NOT own or operate any other portal other than our official website: http://www.trcn.gov.ng,” the statement read.
TRCN also warned the public against making payments into personal bank accounts, noting that it does not collect fees through such channels.
The council further stated that certificates and licenses obtained outside its approved process “are FAKE, INVALID and NOT RECOGNISED by the Council.”
The warning follows an increase in fraudulent online platforms, WhatsApp messages, and emails claiming to offer TRCN registration, Professional Qualifying Examination, and certification services.
The council urged members of the public to disregard unverified information and to report any suspicious calls, payment requests, or persons impersonating the council to security agencies and to TRCN through its official channels.
It said it had directed its legal advisers and law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute offenders.
“Such fraudulent acts constitute criminal offences and will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Soyombo said.
TRCN advised teachers and stakeholders to verify all information before making payments or acting on any purported TRCN service.
