The Provost of Kogi State College of Education, Dr. Paul Femi Fashagba, has announced the release of long-delayed certificates for graduates of the institution spanning 2016 to 2025, bringing an end to a backlog that lasted more than a decade.
Dr. Fashagba made the disclosure during a press briefing in Lokoja, where he said graduates from 2016 to 2020 are scheduled to collect their certificates between May 18 and June 1, 2026, while those who graduated from 2021 to 2025 will receive theirs from June 2 to June 15, 2026.
He said the prolonged delay in issuing certificates under previous administrations had subjected thousands of graduates to hardship, especially in securing employment and pursuing further studies, while also attracting criticism from members of the public and on social media.
According to the Provost, the briefing was convened to formally address the lingering certificate crisis that had affected the institution for over 10 years.
Fashagba explained that upon assuming office, his administration launched a review of the challenges responsible for the delay and initiated measures aimed at resolving the crisis.
He noted that part of the steps taken included consultations with the National Commission for Colleges of Education to ensure all processes complied with approved standards and procedures.
The Provost further revealed that investigations by the management showed that more than 4,000 graduates had yet to receive their certificates over the years.
He added that the certificates have now been printed, authenticated and duly signed for distribution.
He said the college management also set up a committee to supervise the issuance process and ensure transparency and compliance with due process.
Fashagba assured graduates and stakeholders that measures had been put in place to prevent a recurrence of such delays, stressing that certificates would henceforth be issued promptly after graduation.
He therefore urged all affected graduates to take advantage of the exercise and visit the institution to collect their certificates.
