Kogi poly suspends 5 officials, arrests 4 students for certificate racketeering

The management of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has suspended five staff members and arrested four students over alleged document falsification and certificate racketeering.

The polytechnic rector, Salisu Ogbo, disclosed this at a press conference in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, on Friday, October 31, 2025.

Ogbo disclosed that the institution’s management uncovered a syndicate involved in forging academic records.

Ogbo said the group, made up of some students, non-students, and a few corrupt staff members, manipulated official documents and violated institutional standards.

The rector revealed that 30 forged National Diploma (ND) certificates, allegedly sold to unsuspecting buyers, were discovered.

He said the suspects used the fake ND results to apply for Higher National Diploma (HND) admission in the polytechnic.

Ogbo disclosed that the fraud was uncovered following intelligence reports and routine verification exercises carried out by the admission, ICT, and security units of the institution.

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Ogbo said: “Recently, the management uncovered the syndicate involving some students, non-students, and a few dishonest staff members accused of manipulating academic records in clear disregard of due process and institutional values.

“We have discovered 30 forged original certificates reportedly sold out to prospective buyers.

“The suspects forged ND results in the name of Kogi State Polytechnic and had the temerity to apply for HND admission in the same institution using the forged ND results.”

“These individuals compromised our security arrangements and tampered with the security features on our statements of result.

“Such criminal acts represent an assault on the credibility and reputation of our institution, and they cannot be allowed to go unpunished.”

The rector, however, assured the general public, stakeholders, and the polytechnic community that the institution’s quality assurance measures and security mechanisms remain fully active and uncompromised.

The Star