The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has warned teachers, school owners and prospective applicants to beware of fraudulent individuals and portals posing as agents of the council.

The Registrar, Dr Ronke Soyombo, said the council had received reports of individuals and groups allegedly using the name, logo and identity of TRCN to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

According to her, the fraudsters are claiming to facilitate registration, certification, licensing, employment and promotion for teachers outside the council’s approved procedures.

She stated that TRCN had not authorised any agent, consultant, third party or staff member to collect money or process any council-related service outside its official channels.

Soyombo said the council’s official website remained the only approved online platform for information on TRCN programmes and services.

She urged teachers and other stakeholders to disregard social media posts, WhatsApp messages, emails and websites purporting to offer access to TRCN registration, professional qualifying examination, certification and other services.

She also cautioned members of the public against making payments into personal bank accounts, stressing that the council does not collect payments through such channels.

The registrar further warned that certificates and licenses obtained through unofficial processes would not be recognised by the council.

Soyombo advised Nigerians who had already made payments to suspected fraudsters, or who had received suspicious calls, messages or payment requests in the name of TRCN, to report such incidents to security agencies.

She also urged them to notify the council through its official communication channels.

She disclosed that the council 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,” she said.

The TRCN boss urged teachers, school owners, and other stakeholders to verify information through the council’s official channels before making payments or taking any action regarding any purported TRCN service.

She reiterated the council’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the country’s teacher registration, certification, and licensing processes.