A journalism school in Abuja, The International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), has been embroiled in a certificate forgery scandal. The school, which is affiliated with the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), has been accused of issuing forged statements of results and certificates to several individuals.

The management of the school was recently quizzed by the office of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Federal Capital Territory Command, over the alleged forgery. The petitioners, Emeka Nze, Victorson Agberson, and Johnchuks Onuanyim, all members of the Abuja Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), alleged that the school awarded forged statements of results and certificates to several individuals, including candidates vying for positions in the upcoming NUJ Abuja Council election.

They alleged that the individuals allegedly involved in the scandal have since been cleared as candidates by a screening committee, despite the controversy surrounding their qualifications. The committee’s composition is currently a subject of litigation, with a hearing scheduled for January 28 next year.

However, the committee has vowed to proceed with the election despite the ongoing legal challenge.

The school’s management has defended its actions, claiming that results are issued to students upon completion of their academic work, regardless of the time of year.

However, this explanation has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that the school’s lack of a strict academic calendar has created an environment conducive to forgery.

According to the school’s Deputy Director, results are issued indiscriminately at any given time a student completes their academic work.

He claimed that despite writing exams in the current year, some students were issued statements of results bearing the previous year’s date because they gained admission in the previous year. He also stated that results are issued on the dates that students complete their carryover courses.

However, this explanation has raised more questions than answers, with some arguing that the school’s policies are opaque and lack transparency. The petitioners have also alleged that the school’s management has been evasive and uncooperative in addressing their concerns.

The matter has been referred to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation.

The ICPC has been petitioned to investigate the allegations of certificate forgery and to take appropriate action against those found culpable.

The scandal has raised concerns about the integrity of the journalism profession in Nigeria and the need for stricter regulations and oversight to prevent such abuses.

It has also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the issuance of academic certificates and qualifications.

This post has already been read at least704 times!