In the media

During the 10th session of the Conference of State Parties to the United Nations Convention Zimbabwe's Prosecutor-General announced plans to incorporate a curriculum focusing on corruption, ethics, and integrity into the country's education system, from Early Childhood Development to university levels. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), anti-corruption education could be in the form of extra-curricular activities in primary and secondary schools.

The UNDP and Saudi Arabia's Nazaha launched a global initiative to measure corruption during the 10th UN Convention Against Corruption session. Spanning 2023-2027, it aims to develop evidence-based indicators with a multi-stakeholder approach, supported by Saudi Arabia. The partnership seeks to track progress, offer policy recommendations, and assist countries in achieving anti-corruption goals linked to SDG 16. It addresses data gaps identified in the Global Progress Report on SDG 16.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched Students Anti-Corruption Clubs (SACs) in 30 public and private secondary schools across Ekiti State. The initiative, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, aims to instill integrity and positive values in students from their early age. The ICPC has established over 2,000 anti-corruption clubs in secondary schools nationwide and introduced initiatives such as the National Values Curriculum and the National Ethics and Integrity Policy to promote moral values.

A recent surge in examination malpractice cases in Uganda, encompassing 25 reported incidents within the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), has prompted police investigations. Among these cases, 10 pertain to UCE, while 15 are associated with PLE. While some suspects have been granted police bond during ongoing inquiries, the Kisugu High School's director faces serious charges under the UNEB Act for unlawfully confining candidates and disrupting an examination.

The recent ETINED plenary in Paris gathered representatives from 35 European countries to discuss the significance of integrity in higher education. They emphasized the need for ethical principles, transparency, and integrity in education, alongside measures to counter education fraud. The platform shared good practices, including a recommendation on countering education fraud and a forthcoming publication on legal responses and case studies related to education fraud. Discussions covered AI's impact on education, student-centric approaches, and plans for an observatory to combat education fraud.

The Higher Education Department in Bhubaneswar has discovered several colleges admitting students for the 2023-24 academic session without valid recognition, violating the Odisha Education Act of 1969. Despite the provision of temporary recognition for a cumulative duration of seven years, these colleges continue to operate without proper authorization. The Department has directed regional directors of education to compile a comprehensive list of such institutions. Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh, the Education Department has successfully improved attendance in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas through the use of face-recognition technology, addressing issues of ghost students and proxy teachers.

The Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport has assured the public about the transparency and accuracy of Bac II examination marking. They've implemented strict controls during the marking process, ensuring no electronic devices are allowed, and employing secure measures overseen by the Anti-Corruption Unit. The Ministry guarantees fairness through anonymous marking processes and double-checking by editors and a subcommittee. The results will be announced on specific dates and published on official platforms to maintain transparency.

A recent study draws attention to the disturbing trend of 'Life Experience Degree Offerings' (LEDOs) provided by diploma mills, shedding light on how these products deceive consumers. LEDOs exploit the concept of 'accreditation of prior learning' and seek to provide qualifications solely based on submitted resumes or CVs rather than genuine experience. The study reveals that despite the potential socioeconomic gains, LEDOs disregard the true value of education, using artefacts like diplomas to prioritize perceived legitimacy over the educational process itself. Additionally, the research highlights the lack of proper guidance on money laundering risks and the use of students as 'money mules.'

The Ministry of Education plans to incorporate corruption studies into Malawi's primary school curriculum to instil values against corruption. They launched a sourcebook for teachers at Dzenza Primary School, emphasizing the importance of integrity in children and the need to resist corruption. The initiative received endorsement from the UNDP, focusing on behavior change through education. Civil society activists urge the fight against corruption, attributing economic challenges to past practices and calling for investigations into alleged corrupt activities during previous administrations.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) and the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) recently united to combat corruption and drug abuse in educational institutions. They signed a pact titled "Eliminate Corruption and Illicit Drugs in Schools and Higher Learning Institutions" in Dodoma. The Memorandum focuses on exchanging information to prevent these vices and aims to discourage youth involvement in corruption and drug abuse. The PCCB has established 7,000 anti-corruption clubs across schools and higher learning institutions in the country.