TRCN discovers 250 fake teaching certificates
TRCN Discovers 250 Forged Teaching Certificates During Recruitment
The Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) has identified 250 forged teaching certificates amid a recruitment process for approximately 1,000 prospective teachers in an undisclosed state.
Dr. Ronke Soyombo, the council’s Registrar and Chief Executive, made the announcement on Thursday during an inspection of the ongoing computer-based Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) at Redeemer’s TEAP International School in Abuja.
Soyombo emphasized the need for enhanced verification measures to ensure the authenticity of teachers’ qualifications, asserting that the discovery underscores the importance of preventing individuals with fraudulent credentials from entering the education sector. In response to these findings, the TRCN has started issuing certificates embedded with Quick Response (QR) codes, allowing employers to verify credentials through the TRCN online portal.
The use of counterfeit certificates was described by Soyombo as a significant threat to educational standards. She insisted that recruitment into the teaching profession should rely on verifiable qualifications and professional competence.
As part of the Federal Government’s certification initiative, Soyombo outlined a goal for 75 percent of Nigerian teachers to be licensed by December 2026. All teachers are expected to obtain certification prior to classroom entry by December 2027. She highlighted that prospective teachers must also exhibit effective lesson delivery, child protection skills, and proficiency in digital tools.
Furthermore, Soyombo revealed that council assessments have indicated considerable gaps in teachers’ mathematics knowledge, prompting the establishment of specialized capacity-building programs in collaboration with relevant educational agencies.
Regarding the council’s registration efforts, she noted an increase in registered teachers, rising from 13,000 in May 2025 to 26,000 by November of the same year. Currently, 21,000 candidates are participating in the 2026 PQE nationwide, with results expected to be available electronically within seven days.
Soyombo urged candidates to maintain examination integrity and avoid fraudulent practices. She reiterated the council’s commitment to utilizing digital tools to identify unqualified educators and enhance the quality of teaching in Nigeria.
