Kogi Polytechnic uncovers forgery syndicate, Deputy Registrar flees, 4 suspects arrested
By Yahaya Idris
Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has revealed the discovery of a syndicate that specializes in result falsification and production of fake certificates of the Institution
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the Rector of the Institution, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman said it has become necessary to avail members of the press and the general public on a matter of serious concern regarding the integrity of the academic system.
Prof Usman recalled that on assumption of duty in 2020, the management was prompted to change the statement of result template to a more secure version in view of the alarming trend of forgery of results and other documents of the Polytechnic, which had successfully minimized the trend to the barest minimum.
He also disclosed that the management of the School implemented comprehensive reforms across all sectors, aimed at achieving academic excellence and restoring the integrity of the institution.
While appreciating the success recorded so far, the Rector expressed disappointment 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.
The Rector disclosed that following intelligence reports and routine verification exercise 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 gut to apply for the collection of original certificates for the same fabricated results.
“These individuals compromised our security arrangements and tampered with the security features on our Statements of Result”, Prof Usman further revealed.
According to him, the suspects colluded with result processors to prepare results for individuals who had multiple carryovers, but refused to sit for their examinations, thereby falsely portraying them as graduates, thereby assaulting the credibility and reputation of the institution.
The Rector revealed the recent alleged crimes and the suspected perpetrators, which include
1. Amina Mustapha who was never a student, but forged ND and HND results and attempted to use same to obtain original certificate in connivance with some members of staff in Exams Unit.
2. Mfon Asuquo who was a student that absconded with multiple carryovers only to fraudulently obtain a statement of result and attempted using same to obtain original certificate in connivance with same members of staff in Exams Unit.
3. Dansuma Mercy Sunday who connived with one Abubakar Musa (a student with matriculation number 2024/HND/URP/052, Adejoh Faith (a student with matriculation number 2024/HND/OTM/179, Ademu Rilwan (our student with matriculation number 2024/HND/BUS/158 and Henry Tope; a former student identified as the mastermind of the syndicate forging statement of result.
“We are pleased to inform the public that four suspects involved in the forgery of Statement 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.
“For record purpose, let me re-emphasize the case of Amina Mustapha earlier mentioned. She appeared alongside a staff member, Mr. Dominic Egwuda, to collect ND and HND certificates in Computer Science. Upon scrutiny by the Admissions Unit, discrepancies were noticed.
Investigation revealed that Amina never attended Kogi State Polytechnic, and her matriculation numbers were non-existent.
“Further investigation led to suspension of five (5) staff members, including a Deputy Registrar. Mr. Dominic Egwuda, whose name repeatedly appears in this saga, has refused to honour our invitation and is presently on the run.”
The Rector also alleged that a staff 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.
Prof Usman stated that Kogi State Polytechnic maintains zero tolerance for academic fraud, result falsification, and all forms of unethical conduct, warning that any staff, student, or external collaborator found culpable will face the full wrath of the law in addition to institutional disciplinary measures.
He therefore assured the general public, stakeholders, and the Polytechnic community that the quality assurance measures and security mechanisms remain fully active and uncompromised.
“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”, the Rector said.
