The Federal University of Education (FUE), Pankshin, Plateau State, has uncovered a syndicate involved in the forgery and issuance of fake academic results and certificates purportedly from the institution, leading to the arrest, conviction and imprisonment of two suspects.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jere Ndazhaga, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing held at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos.
Ndazhaga explained that the fraudulent activity came to light when an individual presented a suspicious certificate at the university’s Examinations and Records Section, complaining that the result could not be uploaded on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) portal. He said vigilant staff immediately noticed inconsistencies in the document and escalated the matter to the university’s security unit.
According to him, preliminary investigations prompted the involvement of the Divisional Police Office (DPO) in Pankshin, after which the case was formally reported to the State Intelligence Department (SID) on November 17, 2025, following intelligence reports that criminal elements were producing fake results and certificates bearing the name of the institution.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor revealed that undercover security operations led to the arrest of one Friday Tunkyes from Mikang Local Government Area on November 18, 2025, and subsequently, Harvey Obed Ringsum from Mangu Local Government Area on November 19, 2025.
“During the operation, numerous forged certificates of various academic qualifications, as well as the official emboss stamp of the institution, were recovered from the suspects,” Ndazhaga said.
He added that the suspects were prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force and, after due legal process, were found guilty by a competent court and sentenced to one and a half years imprisonment each. They are currently serving their sentences at a correctional facility.
Ndazhaga said the university decided to make the matter public to protect its integrity and reputation, warning individuals and organisations to always verify certificates purportedly issued by the institution.
“We strongly advise public and private organisations, institutions and employers, within and outside Nigeria, to verify the authenticity of certificates claimed to have been issued by our university,” he said.
Reaffirming the institution’s zero tolerance for academic fraud, the Acting Vice-Chancellor stressed that FUE Pankshin remains committed to excellence, integrity and producing graduates who contribute positively to society.
He also called on the public to support the university by reporting any suspicious activities capable of undermining the sanctity of education.