Two Men Sentenced For Forging Certificates At Plateau Varsity
Federal University of Education, Pankshin, Plateau State, has uncovered a syndicate involved in forging academic results and certificates, leading to the imprisonment of two men.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Jere Ndazhaga, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing.
He said the convicts, Friday Tunkyes and Harvey Ringsum, were each sentenced to one and a half years’ imprisonment for their roles in the forgery.
Ndazhaga explained that the suspects were arrested after a suspicious certificate was presented at the university’s Examinations and Records Section.
An investigation revealed numerous forged certificates and official embossing stamps.
“I have been overseeing the affairs of the institution for the past four months. We recently uncovered a syndicate specialising in forging, faking, and altering academic results and issuing them as though they were from the defunct Federal College of Education, Pankshin. This is both disturbing and unacceptable,” he said.
The VC said the matter came to light when an individual presented a certificate that had not been uploaded on the JAMB portal.
Alert staff noticed inconsistencies and reported the issue to the University Security Unit, which contacted the Divisional Police Office in Pankshin.
Following further investigation, the case was reported to the State Intelligence Department on Monday, November 17, 2025.
Undercover operations led to the arrest of Friday Tunkyes of Mikang Local Government Area on November 18, and Harvey Obed Ringsum of Mangu Local Government Area on November 19.
“Numerous forged certificates and official emboss stamps were recovered from the suspects. After investigation, arraignment, and due legal process, both were convicted and are currently serving one and a half years’ imprisonment at a correctional centre,” Ndazhaga said.
The VC warned organisations and employers to verify certificates claimed to be from the university, emphasising that “there is no shortcut to knowledge.”
He called on the public to report suspicious activities that undermine education, saying, “Together, we can protect the credibility of our institutions and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
He added that every genuine certificate from the university reflects years of rigorous academic training and integrity, and that the institution will not tolerate actions that tarnish its image or undermine education.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
