The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has issued a fresh warning to teachers and school owners, saying fraudsters are now targeting educators with fake job, promotion and licensing offers.
In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday, TRCN Registrar/Chief Executive, Dr Ronke Soyombo, said reports showed that individuals and groups were impersonating the council by using its name, logo and identity to defraud teachers.
The alert comes amid growing complaints from teachers who say they have been asked to pay money through WhatsApp, emails and unofficial websites to “fast-track” TRCN registration, Professional Qualifying Examination, certification and even employment.
Dr Soyombo said the council had not appointed any agent, consultant, third party or staff member to handle payments or process teacher services outside official channels.
“The Council does not own or operate any other portal other than our official website: [http://www.trcn.gov.ng,”](http://www.trcn.gov.ng,”) she stated.
She urged teachers and school owners to ignore social media posts and WhatsApp messages promising quick licences or jobs, and warned against paying money into personal bank accounts.
“Certificates and licences issued outside our official process are fake, invalid and not recognised by the council,” she said.
The council noted that fake documents not only waste teachers’ money but also put their jobs at risk, since schools and government employers verify licences directly with TRCN.
Dr Soyombo advised teachers who have already paid suspected fraudsters or received suspicious calls and payment requests to report to security agencies and notify the council through its official channels.
“Such fraudulent acts constitute criminal offences and will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she said.
