TRCN Warns Teachers Against Fake Registration Portals, Vows to Prosecute Fraudsters

Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has issued a fresh warning to teachers and prospective applicants across the country, urging them to steer clear of fake online portals being used by fraudsters to dupe unsuspecting members of the public.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Nigeria said it has received credible reports of individuals and syndicates creating counterfeit websites and social media platforms that mimic the official TRCN portal. These fraudulent sites are allegedly being used to collect registration fees, process fake certificates, and issue unauthorised teaching licences.

The TRCN described the development as a serious threat to the integrity of the teaching profession and warned that anyone found to be involved in such fraudulent activities would face the full wrath of the law.

According to the Council, several complaints have been received from teachers who paid money into fake accounts only to discover later that their registration was never processed. In some cases, victims were issued counterfeit certificates that could not be verified on the TRCN database.

The Registrar and Chief Executive of TRCN, Professor Josiah Ajiboye, said the Council remains committed to protecting the teaching profession from fraudsters and ensuring that only qualified and properly registered individuals are allowed to practise in Nigeria.

“We have noticed with concern the activities of some unscrupulous elements who are creating fake portals and defrauding teachers and intending applicants,” Professor Ajiboye said. “We want to make it clear that the only official portal for TRCN registration and licence renewal is the one on our website. Any other site is fake and should be avoided.”

The Council advised teachers and applicants to always access its services through the official website, www.trcn.gov.ng, and to avoid clicking on links sent through unsolicited emails or social media messages. It also urged members of the public to report any suspicious websites or individuals demanding payment for TRCN-related services to the nearest police station or TRCN state offices.

Professor Ajiboye further disclosed that the Council has begun working with security agencies and internet service providers to track down and shut down fake portals. He also revealed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the fraudulent activities.

The warning comes at a time when the teaching profession in Nigeria is undergoing significant reforms, including the introduction of the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) and the mandatory registration of all teachers with the TRCN. The Council has repeatedly emphasised that only registered teachers will be allowed to teach in both public and private schools across the country.

Education stakeholders have expressed concern that the activities of fraudsters could discourage genuine applicants and undermine public confidence in the teacher registration process. Some have also raised questions about the security of the TRCN portal and called for regular audits and upgrades to prevent hacking or manipulation.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has also weighed in on the matter, urging its members to be vigilant and to only use official channels when dealing with the TRCN. The union described the fake portals as “a new form of exploitation” targeting teachers who are already facing difficult economic conditions.

The Federal Ministry of Education has commended the TRCN for its proactive steps in addressing the issue and urged other professional regulatory bodies to take similar measures to protect their members from fraudsters.

The ministry also called on the public to support the Council’s efforts by reporting any suspicious activities and avoiding any platform that is not officially recognised by the TRCN.

As the Council continues its crackdown on fake portals, it has advised teachers whose licences are due for renewal or who are yet to register to visit any of its state offices or the official website for guidance. It also assured applicants that the registration process remains free from any form of extortion.

The TRCN has pledged to continue sensitising teachers and the general public on how to identify and avoid fraudulent schemes, while working closely with relevant authorities to bring perpetrators to justice.