Authorities of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, have expelled 365 students after a verification exercise uncovered the use of falsified academic credentials to gain admission into the institution.
The affected students, admitted into various Higher National Diploma programmes, were found to have submitted fake National Diploma results and forged academic transcripts from different institutions during the admission and registration process.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Public Relations Officer of the polytechnic, Mr Yemi Ajibola, said the decision followed a comprehensive verification exercise carried out to authenticate credentials submitted by students.
“The expulsion followed a comprehensive verification exercise conducted on the credentials submitted by students during the admission and registration processes,” the statement read.
According to the institution, the move reflects its determination to sanitise the academic system and reinforce a zero-tolerance stance against fraudulent practices and other forms of academic misconduct.
A breakdown of the affected students showed that the School of Communication and Information Technology recorded the highest number with 156 expulsions, followed by the School of Business and Management Studies with 117 students.
The School of Science and Technology accounted for 54 students, the School of Engineering recorded 36, while the School of Environmental Studies had two affected students.
The Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. ‘Koye Jolaoso, cautioned prospective applicants and admission seekers against presenting fake academic documents to secure admission into the institution.
According to him, the development reflects the institution’s commitment to upholding academic integrity, excellence, transparency, credibility and professionalism in tertiary education.
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