Federal Varsity Uncovers Syndicate Specialised In Academic Result Forgery In Plateau

The management of the Federal University of Education (FUE), Pankshin, in Plateau State, has uncovered a syndicate that specialises in issuing fake and altering academic results of the institution.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Jere Ndazhaga, disclosed this during an address to newsmen in Jos on Monday.

According to him, the University recently uncovered a nefarious activity by a syndicate specialised in forging, faking, and issuing documents purportedly issued by the defunct Federal College of Education, Pankshin.

He maintained that this development is both disturbing and unacceptable to the University management.

The Acting Vice Chancellor also emphasised that the incident was uncovered when an individual presented a suspicious certificate at the Examinations and Records Section of the University, accompanied by a complaint that the result had not been uploaded to the portal of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Prof Ndazhaga further stated that due to the vigilance, professionalism, and high level of sensitivity of the staff on duty, inconsistencies were immediately observed.

He stressed that the matter was promptly escalated to the University Security Unit, where further details emerged, and subsequently contacted the Divisional Police Office (DPO) in Pankshin.

“Following preliminary investigations, the case was formally reported to the State Intelligence Department (SID) based on credible intelligence that criminal elements were producing fake results and certificates bearing the name of the University,” the Acting VC said.

According to him, subsequent undercover security operations resulted in the arrest of Mr Friday Tunkyes of Mikang Local Government Area.

“This arrest further resulted in the apprehension of another suspect, Mr Harvey Obed Ringsum of Mangu Local Government Area. During the operation, numerous forged certificates of various academic qualifications, along with an official embossing stamp of the institution, were recovered from the suspects.

Ndazhaga also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force diligently prosecuted the matter following investigations, arraignment, and due legal process, through which two suspects were found guilty, convicted by a competent court of law and sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment each.

“They are currently serving their sentences at a Correctional Centre. This action is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to others who may contemplate similar criminal acts.

“It is necessary to bring this matter to public attention to protect the integrity and reputation of the institution. We therefore strongly advise all public and private organisations, institutions, and employers both within and outside Nigeria to always verify the authenticity of certificates claimed to have been issued by our University,” he said.

The Acting Vice Chancellor further warned that the institution will not tolerate any act that could tarnish the University’s image or undermine the value of education.

As a growing institution, he said the University is committed to becoming a top-tier centre of academic excellence, dedicated to producing innovators, problem-solvers, and responsible citizens, not purveyors of crime.

He called for continued public cooperation to support the University by reporting any suspicious activities that undermine the sanctity of education.