LAUTECH must look into this

LAUTECH must look into this

Ben GEORGE

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology LAUTECH Ogbomoso Oyo state has become renowned for noble deeds including impressive ratings. It has been consistently ranked as the best state university in Nigeria and in the bracket of one of the best ten overall.

But as the accolades swirl, like a leech, untoward happenings swarm her too portraying her in bad light. Unscrupulous people dot the university corridors and recesses perpetrating a quantum of illicit acts. Last week, news broke out that the institution ranks number two in fake admission saga for the 2024 academic session. This was according to a release by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB revealed no fewer than 9,469 admissions across 20 tertiary institutions nationwide were detected as fake asserting those admissions were conducted outside the popular Central Admission Processing System, popularly known as CAPS. The board listed LAUTECH as number 2 in the ignoble rank with 1, 215 fake admissions in 2024. It trails Kano State University of Science and Technology which JAMB noted recorded 2, 215 fake admissions. There are eightteen other institutions in the disgusting list.

This isn’t something to cheer about and yet shouldn’t be swept under the carpet. There is no doubt the institution is suffused with syndicated gangs involved in racketeering of various hues. Last year, there was a similar case of fake certificates racketeering. The management of the university it was learnt rose to the occasion though, involving security agents leading to the busting of the syndicate and arrest of some suspects.

According to findings, the gang leader was an alumnus who was eventually tracked and apprehended by security agents. Cover was also blown off some of his cohorts, insiders – typists, computer operators, and some others in sensitive roles. They reportedly faced various sanctions ranging from suspension to prosecution.

The rot is deep. People’s craving for money is inexplicable and unfathomable. However, the institution has to bolster its vigilance and regularly conduct wide ranging internal investigations and probes to unearth the malfeasance from time to time. The felonious indulgences of the unconscionable elements need to be holistically dissected to restore sanity and avoid image tarnishing scandals as the above. Devilish people will always abound hence those in authorities always have to be steps ahead or at least be at par in order not to be ridiculously draped in unmitigated embarrassment and left seeking face-saving measures or living in denial.

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Lamentation is rife of alumni seeking to collect their postscript but face herculean ordeals just because some mob are suspected to have hijacked the process through which extortion is carried out. The root of the rot must be uprooted forthwith. The cupidity for wealth of a few must not be allowed to continually smear the garment of the citadel. That is why the management must step up its game.