In the media

The Democratic Republic of Congo has launched a blockchain-based platform to verify academic degrees, aiming to curb widespread diploma fraud. The move follows a 2023 audit that found nearly one in three diplomas submitted for verification was either fraudulent or unverifiable. Developed in partnership with TindaTech, the system enables universities to issue tamper-proof credentials, helping restore trust in education and promote transparency nationwide.

Corruption affects all aspects of educational planning and management. This includes the financing of schools, the recruitment, promotion and appointment of teachers, the construction of school buildings, the purchase and distribution of equipment and textbooks, and access to university. Corruption restricts access to education at all levels, from pre-school to university. It hinders the quality of learning, with children from disadvantaged backgrounds being the main victims.

In collaboration with the UNODC and UNESCO, the Agence de prévention et de lutte contre la corruption (APLC) has organised integrity training for teacher trainers in nursery, primary, secondary, and vocational education. As the leading national authority in the fight against corruption, the APLC aims to take far-reaching action and provide concrete responses through the development of a prevention strategy designed to curb this scourge.

14 academic and administrative staff members from the Official University of Bukavu in Congo have been dismissed after an internal audit revealed they possessed forged certificates and academic titles. The former rector has been accused of nepotism, after hiring several family members based on family acquaintances while violating normal recruitment processes.

The Agence de prévention et de lutte contre la corruption (APLC) is urging the government to include an anti-corruption course in the national curriculum, from nursery school to university. According to the APLC's deputy coordinator, sanctions are not the only remedy for eradicating or eliminating corruption. APLC is working to raise awareness among the Congolese to change mentalities and integrate a new culture of integrity.

Allegations of corruption and immorality within the Congolese university community have been aired in a new book by a former education minister and current professor of languages at the University of Kinshasa. He proposed lowering student numbers to a controllable level to guarantee efficiency during examinations and academic deliberations.

The participants reflected on accountability and transparency of management and financing of the teaching system in DRC, and elaborated implementation strategies for the various stakeholders. .../... Several themes were discussed of which the integrated strategy of the fight against corruption in the education sector and the financing of education by the State at the local level, teachers' salaries, etc.

Two professors at the University of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who alerted the law about embezzlement of funds, are facing the sack on the orders of the Minister of Higher and University Education.