Registrar/Chief Executive of TRCN, Dr. (Mrs) Ronke Soyombo
By Felix Khanoba
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has warned teachers, school owners and prospective applicants that certificates and licences obtained through unauthorised channels will be declared fake and invalid.
The council issued the warning while alerting members of the public to the activities of suspected fraudsters allegedly using its name, logo and identity to extort money from unsuspecting applicants.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr. (Mrs) Ronke Soyombo, TRCN said it had become aware of fraudulent activities involving individuals and groups falsely presenting themselves as representatives of the council.
The council stressed that it had not authorised agents, consultants, third parties or staff members to collect money or process registration, certification, licensing, employment or promotion outside its approved procedures and official channels.
It said, “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.”
TRCN also warned applicants against using fraudulent websites and online portals, stressing that its official website, www.trcn.gov.ng, remains the only approved online platform for information on 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 further cautioned members of the public against paying money into personal bank accounts, noting that payments for its services are not collected through such channels.
Of particular concern to teachers and prospective applicants, TRCN said documents obtained through unofficial processes would not be recognised, regardless of claims made by those offering such services.
“Certificates and Licenses issued outside our official process are FAKE, INVALID and NOT RECOGNISED by the Council,” it stated.
The warning follows the reported proliferation of online platforms, social media messages and other communications allegedly offering TRCN registration, Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), certification and related services.
The council urged members of the public to disregard unverified information circulated through social media platforms, WhatsApp, emails and websites purporting to represent TRCN.
It advised anyone who had already paid money to suspected fraudsters or received suspicious calls, messages or payment requests in its name to report such incidents to security agencies and notify the council 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,” it said.
The council urged teachers, school owners and other stakeholders to verify the authenticity of information before making payments or acting on purported TRCN services.
