JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) recently announced that a student who claimed to have scored 362 in her JAMB result had actually inflated her score from 249 to 362. JAMB stated that the student would face prosecution for her actions. This incident has shed light on the pervasive nature of fraud and deception in Nigerian society, where such acts are often celebrated.
While Jibrin Samuel Okutepa San, a legal practitioner, does not support or condone this fraudulent behavior, he believes it reflects the criminal ingenuity prevalent among Nigerians and politicians. Okutepa also draws attention to the prevalence of fake and forged results in Nigeria’s elections, which poses a threat to democracy. He emphasizes the need for institutions responsible for combating corruption to be more vigilant and proactive.
JAMB’s efforts in exposing this case are commendable, but Okutepa argues that other institutions must also step up in their duty to combat corruption. He asserts that no institution should defend or tolerate fake results, urging society to eradicate this practice. Many individuals in public and civil service hold forged qualifications or fake ages, contributing to the lack of accountability in Nigeria.
The celebration of those who achieve positions through illicit means is a symptom of a society that prioritizes fame and wealth over honesty and hard work, according to Okutepa. He calls on Nigerians to learn from JAMB’s efforts and demand that things be done correctly in their society. Okutepa also urges individuals with fake results to come forward and repent.
Diamondhead (
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