NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA
The President of the Association of Nigerian Community in Finland, ANCF, Hon. Kingsley Abisi, has warned Nigerians and other prospective migrants against falling victim to individuals promising jobs, study admissions and residence permits in Finland in exchange for money.
Hon. Abisi said the Association has become concerned about the activities of self-styled agents, consultants and intermediaries who make attractive offers without providing verifiable evidence that such opportunities are genuine.
Speaking on the rising cases of fraud, the ANCF President urged Nigerians seeking to come to Finland to exercise extreme caution, especially with offers that sound too good to be true.
“Nobody should be deceived into believing that paying someone guarantees a job, admission or residence permit in Finland. People must verify every claim independently before parting with their money,” he said.
He stressed that genuine employment and educational opportunities in Finland follow established procedures and can be independently confirmed directly with the employer or educational institution.
Prospective applicants, he added, should be particularly suspicious of anyone who claims to have “special connections” with Finnish companies, universities, government officials or immigration authorities.
As captured by Public Analyst and Media Expert, Njoku Macdonald Obinna, Hon. Abisi said verification must be the first step.
“If someone approaches you and says, ‘I can get you a job in Finland if you pay me,’ or ‘I can guarantee your admission,’ stop and verify. Do not allow desperation or the dream of coming to Finland to override common sense.”
The ANCF President advised prospective students to independently confirm that the institution and programme exist, check official admission requirements, and communicate directly with the school.
For job seekers, he said applicants should verify the employer, the vacancy, the employment contract, salary and other details before making any payment.
Hon. Abisi also listed red flags members of the public should watch out for. They include individuals who:
1. *Promise guaranteed jobs or admissions*
2. *Demand large payments before providing verifiable information*
3. *Ask applicants to transfer money to personal accounts without proper justification*
4. *Claim to have powerful connections that can bypass normal procedures*
5. *Produce questionable employment contracts or admission letters*
6. *Pressure applicants to pay immediately*
7. *Refuse to allow applicants to independently contact the employer or school*
8. *Use social media testimonials and screenshots as their primary evidence of legitimacy*
He further cautioned against handing over passports, identification documents, bank details and other sensitive information to persons whose credentials have not been independently verified.
Hon. Abisi acknowledged the strong desire among Nigerians to study, work and build a future in Finland, but warned that the aspiration is being exploited by unscrupulous individuals.
“We understand the dream. Many people want to come to Finland to study, work and build a better life. But that dream should not become an opportunity for someone else to exploit you,” he stated.
He said the Association will continue to promote accurate information and responsible engagement within the Nigerian community, while encouraging prospective migrants and students to use legitimate channels.
“Our message is simple: *VERIFY BEFORE YOU PAY*. Ask questions. Check the source. Contact the employer or school directly. Do not rely solely on WhatsApp messages, Facebook posts, TikTok videos or promises from an individual.”
The ANCF also encouraged anyone who believes they have encountered a fraudulent scheme to retain evidence including messages, receipts, advertisements, contracts and payment records, and to report suspected wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities.
Hon. Abisi reaffirmed that the Association remains committed to protecting the interests and reputation of Nigerians in Finland and to ensuring that members of the public have access to reliable information about opportunities and life in Finland.