The Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, has uncovered a syndicate engaged in producing and distributing fake academic results and certificates, resulting in the imprisonment of two individuals.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Jere Ndazhaga, disclosed the development during a press conference in Jos on Monday.
The convicts, identified as Friday Tunkyes and Harvey Obed Ringsum, were each sentenced to one and a half years in prison.
Ndazhaga explained that the suspects were apprehended after a suspicious certificate was submitted at the university’s Examinations and Records Section.
The investigation subsequently uncovered a cache of forged certificates and official emboss stamps.
“I have been overseeing the affairs of the institution for the past four months. It is important to state clearly that the University recently uncovered a nefarious activity of a syndicate specialised in forging, faking, altering academic results and issuing the same purportedly to have been issued by the defunct Federal College of Education, Pankshin.
“This development is both disturbing and unacceptable to the University management,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the case emerged when an individual presented a certificate that raised suspicion because the result had not been uploaded to the JAMB portal. The vigilance and professionalism of university staff quickly identified inconsistencies, prompting further action.
“The matter was promptly escalated to the University Security Unit, where further details emerged and in turn contacted the Divisional Police Office, Pankshin. Following preliminary investigations, it was said that the case was formally reported to the State Intelligence Department (SID) on Monday, 17th November, 2025, at about 4:30 pm, based on credible intelligence that criminal elements were producing fake results and certificates bearing the name of the University,” Ndazhaga said.
He added that subsequent undercover operations led to the arrest of Mr. Friday Tunkyes of Mikang Local Government Area on Tuesday, 18th November, 2025, and the apprehension of Mr. Harvey Obed Ringsum of Mangu Local Government Area on Wednesday, 19th November, 2025.
“During the operation, numerous forged certificates of various academic qualifications and official emboss stamp of the institution were recovered from the suspect,” he stated.
Following investigation, arraignment, and due legal process, the two suspects were convicted by a competent court and sentenced to one and a half years in prison. They are currently serving their sentences at a Correctional Centre.
“This development is both disturbing and unacceptable to the University management. This action is intended to serve as a strong deterrent to others who may contemplate similar criminal acts,” Ndazhaga said.
The Vice-Chancellor also cautioned organisations and employers to verify certificates claimed to have been issued by the university, stressing that “there is no shortcut to knowledge” and affirming the institution’s commitment to producing graduates of integrity.
He urged the public to report any suspicious activities that could undermine education, saying, “together, we can protect the credibility of our institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
“The motto of the Federal University of Education, Pankshin is ‘EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE.’ Every genuine certificate issued by this institution represents years of rigorous academic training, character formation, and integrity. We will not tolerate any act capable of tarnishing the image of the University or undermining the value of education.
“As a growing institution, the University is committed to becoming a top-tier centre of academic excellence, dedicated to producing graduates who are innovators, problem-solvers, and responsible citizens, not purveyors of crime,” the VC added.
