The Kogi State Polytechnic on Thursday disclosed that it has uncovered a document falsification syndicate operating and manipulating academic records within the institution.
Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that the Rector, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo made the revelation while briefing Journalists in his office on a matter he described as “of serious concern regarding the integrity of its academic system”.
Professor Ogbo said the institution uncovered the scandal involving some students, non-students, and some members of staff who conspired to manipulate academic records of the institution.
According to the Rector, the syndicate was found to have manipulated academic records, forged results, and attempted to obtain original certificates using fake documents, in connivance with some staff members, including a Deputy Registrar, who are currently on suspension.
He explained that the syndicate forged National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) results, with some individuals even attempting to collect original certificates for the fabricated results, noting that “such criminal acts represent an assault on the credibility and reputation of our institution, and they cannot be allowed to go unpunished”.
He said investigations revealed several cases of document falsification, including forged National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) results, with some suspects compromising the institution’s security arrangements and tampering with security features on the institution’s Statements of Result.
Highlighting some of the cases under investigation, Professor Ogbo revealed that one Amina Mustapha forged ND and HND results and attempted to use them to obtain original certificates in connivance with some staff members.
Amina who was alleged to have appeared alongside a staff member, Mr. Dominic Egwuda, who is currently on the run, to collect both ND and HND certificates in Computer Science never attended the institution as a student.
He cited another case involving Mfon Asuquo, a student who had absconded with multiple carry-overs, fraudulently obtained a statement of result.
He said Dansuma Mercy Sunday, who connived with a former student, Henry Tope, also forged statements of result.
The Rector who noted that the suspects used sophisticated methods to compromise the instruction’s security arrangements and tamper with security features on official documents, said all the suspects involved in the forgery scandal would be handed over to the Police for further investigation and diligent prosecution, to serve as a deterrent to others.
Prof. Ogbo recalled that before joining KSPL, the academic integrity of the institution was nothing to write home about due to the activities of some individuals who forged security documents, particularly the Statement of Results.
“Then, it was alarmingly easy for individuals to forge and print statements of result of the Polytechnic at business centres. Some even had the audacity to present such forged results back to the Polytechnic, and to the same department they allegedly “graduated” from”.
He explained further that his administration, on assumption of duty, however changed the Statement of Results template to a more secure version, which had minimized the forgery to the barest minimum.
“In addition, we have also implemented comprehensive reforms across all sectors of the Polytechnic, aimed at achieving academic excellence and restoring the integrity of the institution.
“In the same vein, we introduced stringent measures to enhance quality assurance, stamp out irregularities and curb sharp practices.”
He said despite the successes recorded in the fight against the malaise, ”it’s disheartening that the Polytechnic has once again uncovered document falsification syndicate involving some students, non-students and a few dishonest members of staff who conspired to manipulate academic records in flagrant disregard of due process and institutional values “.
“Following intelligence reports and routine verification exercises by the Admission, ICT, and Security units, a detailed investigation was launched in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies.
“Investigation revealed shocking levels of audacity and deceit. Some of the suspects forged National Diploma (ND) results in the name of Kogi State Polytechnic and had the temerity to apply for Higher National Diploma HND admission in the same institution using the forged ND results. Even more alarming, others forged both ND and HND results and had the guts to apply for the collection of original certificates for the same fabricated results”.
“We are pleased to inform the public that four suspects involved in the forgery of statements of result were apprehended during registration. They have been handed over to our security unit, whose investigation led to the unmasking of the broader syndicate behind this academic fraud”.
“In another discovery, a staff member in the Exams and Records unit already under disciplinary review had in his possession 30 forged Statements of Result bearing different names and programmes. Security operatives also recovered several fake official stamps, stamp pads and admission letters bearing different names and programmes from his residence”.
While reiterating its uncompromising zero-tolerance policy for academic fraud and unethical conduct, the Rector emphasized that any staff member, student, or external collaborator found culpable will face the full wrath of the law and institutional disciplinary measures.
“We shall not relent in our effort to expose and eliminate all forms of misconduct that is capable of denting hard earned reputation of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja.
“All individuals involved in this forgery scandal will be immediately handed over to the Police for further investigation and diligent prosecution to serve as a deterrent to others.”
He again assured the public, other stakeholders and the Polytechnic community that its quality assurance measures and security mechanisms remain fully active and uncompromised, insisting that the institution will not relent in its efforts to protect its integrity and reputation.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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