Kogi State Polytechnic has launched a full-scale investigation into an alleged certificate racketeering network involving nine individuals accused of manipulating academic records and forging official documents.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Friday, the institution’s Rector, Prof. Salisu Ogbo, revealed that five staff members have been suspended, while four suspected students are currently in custody in connection with the forgery scheme.
“Only recently, the management uncovered a syndicate involving some students, non-students, and a few dishonest staff members accused of manipulating academic records in clear disregard for due process and institutional values,” Ogbo said.
According to the Rector, about 30 forged certificates were discovered, allegedly issued to unsuspecting buyers. The suspects reportedly forged National Diploma (ND) results under the name of the Polytechnic and even went as far as applying for Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions using those fake credentials.
Ogbo explained that the fraudulent activities came to light through intelligence reports and routine verification exercises carried out by the institution’s Admission, ICT, and Security Units.
“These individuals compromised our security arrangements and tampered with the security features on our Statements of Result,” he said, adding that they colluded with result processors to fabricate results for students who had multiple carryovers but refused to complete their exams.
He condemned the act as “an assault on the credibility and reputation of our institution,” emphasizing that such misconduct would not go unpunished.
Prof. Ogbo reassured the public and stakeholders that the Polytechnic’s quality assurance and security systems remain intact, stressing the management’s commitment to safeguarding the institution’s integrity.
> “We will not relent in our effort to expose and eliminate all forms of misconduct capable of denting the hard-earned reputation of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja,” he affirmed.
(NAN)
