What is the ruling on one who pays money to obtain an academic certificate or succeeds without effort and money?

It is not permissible to buy and sell academic certificates, as it involves deception and lying. Similarly, it is not permissible to pass a student without merit, even if no money is paid, because it falls under false witness, which is one of the greatest sins, as Allah Almighty says: "And those who do not bear false witness" (Surat Al-Furqan 25:72), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "False speech," or he said, "False witness." This falls under defrauding institutions and weakens the nation's capabilities and the level of creative thinking and innovation.