The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has raised the alarm over the activities of fraudsters allegedly exploiting the name, logo and identity of the Council to defraud teachers, school owners and prospective applicants.

The Council warned members of the public against patronising unauthorised websites, online platforms, agents and individuals claiming to offer TRCN registration, certification, licensing, Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), employment and promotion-related services.

In a statement issued in Abuja by its Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. Mrs. Ronke Soyombo, TRCN said it had become aware of increasing fraudulent activities designed to deceive unsuspecting members of the public and collect money from them under the guise of providing official Council services.

According to the Council, no agent, consultant, third party or staff member has been authorised to collect money or process TRCN services outside its approved procedures and official channels.

“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,” the statement said.

TRCN also warned teachers and other stakeholders to be particularly cautious of fake portals and websites masquerading as official Council platforms.

The Council stressed that www.trcn.gov.ng remains 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 stated.

The Council further warned that anyone who obtains TRCN certificates or licences through unofficial channels risks ending up with documents that have no validity.

It stated categorically that certificates and licences obtained outside its approved processes would not be recognised.

“Certificates and Licenses issued outside our official process are FAKE, INVALID and NOT RECOGNISED by the Council,” TRCN warned.

The development comes against the backdrop of the growing circulation of online advertisements, social media posts, WhatsApp messages, emails and websites claiming to facilitate access to TRCN registration, PQE, certification and other Council services.

TRCN urged members of the public not to rely on such information without first confirming its authenticity through the Council’s official communication channels.

The Council also cautioned prospective applicants against making payments into personal bank accounts or handing cash to individuals claiming to be acting on its behalf.

It stressed that official payments must be made only through approved channels and in accordance with established procedures.

TRCN advised anyone who may have already paid money to suspected fraudsters, or received suspicious calls, messages or payment requests purportedly from the Council, to report such incidents to the appropriate security agencies and notify TRCN through its official channels.

The Council disclosed that it had directed its legal advisers and relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate cases of impersonation and fraud involving its name and identity.

It warned that individuals found guilty of impersonating the Council or defrauding members of the public would face prosecution.

“Such fraudulent acts constitute criminal offences and will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” TRCN said.

The Council therefore urged teachers, school proprietors and other stakeholders to exercise caution and verify before they pay, register or submit personal information for any purported TRCN service.