Kogi State Polytechnic has launched an investigation after uncovering a certificate forgery syndicate involving both staff and students. The incident was revealed during a news conference in Lokoja on Friday, triggering quick action from the management of the institution.
The Rector of Kogi Polytechnic, Prof. Salisu Ogbo, disclosed that five staff members have been suspended and four students arrested following the discovery of a network that falsified academic documents, including national diploma results.
The malpractice reportedly involved forging over 30 original certificates and manipulating academic records to help some students gain admissions fraudulently.
This illegal operation came to light through intelligence reports and routine checks by the institution’s Admission, ICT, and Security Units.
According to Prof. Ogbo, some of the accused colluded with result processors to create fake results for students who had multiple carryovers and had not sat for their exams, enabling them to pose as legitimate graduates.
Only recently, the management uncovered the syndicate involving some students, non-students, and a few dishonest staff members accused of manipulating academic records in clear disregard of due process and institutional values.We have discovered 30 forged original certificates reportedly sold out to prospective buyers. These individuals compromised our security arrangements and tampered with the security features on our Statements of Result – Prof. Ogbo.
The rector emphasized the serious threat such acts have wrecked on the credibility of the institution, and vowed that offenders would face strict consequences. He reassured the public that the Polytechnic’s assurance and security systems remain operational and uncompromised.
Prof. Ogbo confirmed that the investigation will continue and promised further updates, urging stakeholders to support efforts to preserve the integrity of Nigerian education.
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