PTI Moves to Protect Public from Online Scammers Impersonating Principal/Chief Executive

By Wilson Macaulay

The Management of the Petroleum Training Institute, PTI, Effurun, has intensified efforts to protect members of the public from the activities of online scammers and cybercriminals allegedly impersonating the institution’s Principal and Chief Executive, Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji, through fake social media accounts and fraudulent digital platforms.

In a public statement issued by the institute, management raised alarm over what it described as a coordinated attempt by internet fraudsters to exploit the identity and reputation of the PTI leadership to deceive unsuspecting Nigerians through false claims, fake promises, and unauthorized online communications.

According to the statement, the fraudsters have allegedly been creating cloned accounts bearing the name, photographs, and official profile of Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji in order to lure individuals into fraudulent schemes involving fake employment offers, admission slots, scholarship opportunities, contracts, and monetary requests.

The institution stressed that the Principal and Chief Executive of PTI does not operate unofficial social media accounts for financial transactions, private business dealings, or unauthorized engagements with members of the public. Management therefore warned Nigerians to exercise extreme caution and avoid responding to suspicious messages or requests coming from fake online profiles claiming affiliation with the PTI leadership.

PTI emphasized that all official information and communications from the institute are disseminated strictly through verified institutional channels and recognized public communication platforms. It further advised the public never to disclose personal information, banking details, or engage in financial transactions with unknown persons posing as officials of the institution online.

The management noted that the increasing sophistication of cybercrime and identity theft in the digital age has made public awareness and vigilance more important than ever. It described the impersonation of public officials and institutional leaders as a serious criminal offense capable of damaging reputations and causing financial and emotional hardship to innocent victims.

While condemning the activities of the scammers, the institute disclosed that the matter has been formally reported to relevant law enforcement agencies and cybercrime authorities for investigation and possible prosecution of those involved in the impersonation racket.

PTI reassured stakeholders, students, parents, industry partners, and the general public that it remains committed to upholding transparency, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all institutional dealings. The management added that measures are being strengthened to monitor and counter unauthorized use of the institute’s identity and official image on digital platforms.

The statement also called on the public to cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious online accounts, fraudulent messages, or fake social media profiles linked to the name of Engr. Dr. Samuel Onoji or the Petroleum Training Institute.

Observers in the education and oil and gas sectors have praised the proactive stance of the institution, noting that timely public advisories are essential in combating the growing menace of cyber fraud and digital impersonation targeting prominent organizations and public figures.

The Petroleum Training Institute remains one of Nigeria’s foremost petroleum and energy training institutions, widely respected for its contribution to manpower development, technical education, innovation, and capacity building within the nation’s oil and gas industry.