FUNATO Issues Urgent Disclaimer: Beware of Fake Recruitment Portal and Scammers
4 min read
Summary
FUNATO warns against fake recruitment portal. University has NOT created recruitment portal or commenced recruitment. Scammers using calls, messages, and fake websites. Do not pay or share personal info.
FUNATO Issues Urgent Disclaimer: Beware of Fake Recruitment Portal and Scammers
The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO) has issued an urgent public disclaimer warning against fraudulent recruitment activities being conducted by scammers. The university confirmed it has not created any recruitment portal and has not commenced any recruitment exercise at this time.
Official Statement
In a disclaimer signed by Alh. Prince Kazeem O. Popoola, Bursar of FUNATO, the university explicitly stated:
"FUNATO has not created any recruitment portal and has not commenced any recruitment exercise at this time."
How the Scam Works
Fraudulent Activities
Scammers are using multiple channels to deceive the public:
- Fake Online Portals: Creating websites claiming to be FUNATO recruitment platforms
- Phone Calls: Calling individuals claiming to offer FUNATO employment
- Text Messages: Sending SMS about fake job opportunities
- Social Media Posts: Advertising false FUNATO recruitment on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other platforms
- Email Scams: Sending fake offer letters or application links
What Scammers Are Claiming
- FUNATO is currently recruiting staff
- Application portal is open for job applications
- Payment required for application forms or processing
- Guaranteed employment after payment
- Urgent deadlines to pressure victims
Official FUNATO Recruitment Process
How FUNATO Announces Legitimate Recruitment
When FUNATO conducts genuine recruitment exercises, announcements will be made through:
- FUNATO official website
- Federal Government official recruitment portals
- National newspapers (The Punch, Vanguard, Guardian, etc.)
- University notice boards on campus
- Verified university social media accounts
- Official government recruitment platforms
What FUNATO Will NEVER Do
- Create independent "recruitment portals" for job applications
- Request payment for job applications or processing fees
- Call or text individuals directly about job opportunities
- Advertise recruitment only on social media
- Guarantee employment in exchange for payment
- Use third-party agents for recruitment
How to Protect Yourself
Warning Signs of Recruitment Scams
- Requests for upfront payment for "application processing"
- Promises of guaranteed employment
- Pressure to apply urgently or "miss the opportunity"
- Unofficial email addresses (not ending in @funato.edu.ng)
- Poor grammar and spelling in official communications
- Requests for sensitive personal information via phone or WhatsApp
- No presence on official government recruitment platforms
Steps to Verify Recruitment Claims
- Check FUNATO's official website for recruitment announcements
- Contact the Bursar's office directly to verify any recruitment claims
- Look for announcements in national newspapers
- Verify on Federal Civil Service Commission or other official government portals
- Visit the university campus to check notice boards
What to Do If You've Been Contacted
If You Receive Suspicious Contact
- Do not respond to calls, texts, or emails about FUNATO recruitment
- Do not make any payments for application or processing
- Do not share personal information with unknown contacts
- Block the number or email address
- Report to FUNATO immediately
If You've Already Made Payment
- Report to the nearest police station immediately
- Contact your bank to attempt reversal (if payment was recent)
- File a complaint with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
- Inform FUNATO's Bursar office about the fraud
- Document all evidence (screenshots, receipts, communication records)
General Recruitment Fraud Prevention
Federal University Recruitment Facts
- Federal universities recruit through official government channels
- Legitimate recruitment is FREE - no application fees
- Announcements appear in multiple official sources simultaneously
- No individual can guarantee employment in exchange for payment
- Recruitment follows strict Federal Civil Service guidelines
Reporting Fraud
If you encounter or fall victim to recruitment fraud:
Report To:
- FUNATO Bursar's Office: Alh. Prince Kazeem O. Popoola
- Nigeria Police: Nearest police station
- EFCC: Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
- ICPC: Independent Corrupt Practices Commission
Stay Safe and Informed
Best Practices
- Always verify recruitment announcements through multiple official sources
- Never pay money for federal government job applications
- Be skeptical of unsolicited job offers
- Educate family and friends about recruitment scams
- Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Official Contact for Verification
To verify any FUNATO-related information:
- Bursar's Office: Alh. Prince Kazeem O. Popoola
- University: Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, Oyo State
- Website: Check FUNATO's official website for verified announcements
Key Takeaways
- FUNATO has NOT created any recruitment portal
- FUNATO has NOT commenced any recruitment exercise
- All recruitment claims are FRAUDULENT
- Do not pay money or share personal information
- Wait for official announcement through proper channels
- Report suspicious activities to authorities immediately
