The Federal University of Education, FUE, in Pankshin, Plateau State, has successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate specializing in the forgery and sale of fake academic results and certificates bearing the institution's name. The university's management announced the breakthrough, which led to arrests and subsequent prison sentences for the perpetrators.
Vigilant Staff Uncover Elaborate Fraud Scheme
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jere Ndazhaga, revealed the details to journalists in Jos on Monday. He stated that the illicit operation came to light when an individual presented a suspicious certificate at the university's Examinations and Records Section. The individual claimed the result was not on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, portal.
Due to the alertness and professionalism of the staff on duty, inconsistencies in the document were immediately identified. Professor Ndazhaga praised the staff's high level of sensitivity, which he said was crucial in detecting the fraud at an early stage. The forged documents were linked to the defunct Federal College of Education, Pankshin, which is now part of the university.
Undercover Operation Leads to Arrests and Convictions
Following the initial discovery, the matter was escalated to the University Security Unit and subsequently reported to the Pankshin Divisional Police Office for a full-scale investigation. Based on credible intelligence, the case was formally handed over to the State Intelligence Department.
This led to an undercover security operation that resulted in the arrest of the first suspect, Mr. Friday Tunkyes from Mikang Local Government Area. His apprehension led directly to a second suspect, Mr. Harvey Obed Ringsum of Mangu Local Government Area. Security operatives recovered several forged certificates for various academic qualifications, along with an official embossing stamp of the university, from the suspects.
The Nigeria Police Force diligently prosecuted the case. A competent court of law found the two men guilty of forgery-related charges. Both were sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment each and are currently serving their terms at a correctional centre. The university stated this decisive legal action is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to others.
University Issues Stern Warning and Verification Plea
Professor Ndazhaga said the university decided to make the incident public to safeguard its hard-earned integrity and reputation. He reiterated the institution's zero-tolerance stance for any action capable of tarnishing its image or undermining the value of education.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor issued a strong advisory to all employers, institutions, and organizations within and outside Nigeria. He urged them to always verify the authenticity of any certificate presented as being issued by the Federal University of Education, Pankshin. The university is committed to being a centre of academic excellence, producing innovators and responsible citizens, not purveyors of crime.
He also called on the public to support the university by reporting any suspicious activities that threaten the sanctity of the education system.
