Federal Varsity Uncovers Syndicate Forging Academic Records

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

The acting vice chancellor, Prof. Jere Ndazhaga, made the disclosure when he addressed newsmen in Jos, yesterday.

According to him, the university recently uncovered the nefarious activity of a syndicate specialised in forging, faking and issuing results purported to have been 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 stressed that the incident came to light when an individual presented a suspicious certificate at the Examinations and Records Section of the University with a complaint that the result failed to be uploaded on the JAMB portal.

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 in turn contacted the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), 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.”

According to him, subsequent undercover security operations led to 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 and official emboss stamp of the institution were recovered from the suspects.”

Prof Ndazhaga also disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force diligently prosecuted the matter following investigations, arraignment, and due legal process, the 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 in order 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.”

The acting vice chancellor further said “We will not tolerate any act capable of tarnishing the image of the University or undermining the value of education.

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

He called for public cooperation to continue to support the University by reporting any suspicious activity that undermines the sanctity of education.