In the media

Ghana is preparing to recruit 1,200 new university lecturers and 7,000 teachers to address staffing shortages, but the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission now requires all applicants to have their qualifications verified to prevent the use of fake degrees. This follows growing concerns about fraudulent and unaccredited certificates, which threaten education quality and credibility. UTAG stresses the need for stronger enforcement and legal action against academic fraud.

Mauritania is planning to digitize its national exams and competitive entrance tests to improve transparency, fairness, and reliability. The initiative, led by the Education and Digital Transformation ministries, will introduce digital tools across the exam process, from setting papers to grading, to reduce errors and increase traceability. A phased rollout with testing stages has been agreed to ensure system stability before large-scale use.

A new Transparency International report titled Leaving No Learner Behind reveals widespread corruption in education systems across Africa, based on research in five countries: DRC, Ghana, Madagascar, Rwanda, and Zimbabwe. The study finds that practices such as ghost teachers, payroll fraud, cheating, exam bribery, and sexual exploitation are undermining education quality and access, particularly for vulnerable learners.

A former acting head of the provincial education department was among 41 suspects arrested for alleged R114 million tender fraud over five years. Police arrested him at his home following investigations dating back to 2018. Several suspects across multiple provinces are expected to appear in court, including at least 10 Government officials and multiple contractors. The case involves suspected bribery, inflated tenders and irregularly awarded maintenance contracts. The education department reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

The Kenyan government ordered an audit of 790 public secondary schools as part of the 2024/2025 financial review to enhance transparency in the education sector. The audit will examine financial management systems and procurement, with officials required to provide relevant documentation. Authorities aim to strengthen internal controls, ensure compliance with financial rules and safeguard public funds.

In Nigeria, the Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board launched an Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) to strengthen integrity in basic education management. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission officials emphasized that the unit should act as a supportive mechanism, not an adversarial body. ACTU’s responsibilities include reviewing processes, conducting staff sensitisation, enforcing ethical standards, and conducting preliminary investigations.

The Zimbabwean Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education warned that teachers who charge students for extra lessons face disciplinary consequences, as they are already paid by the Government to teach. He urged parents to report such practices through official complaint channels, starting with the class teacher, then the school head, district, provincial offices, and finally the ministry’s head office or courts. He also condemned schools forcing parents to buy uniforms from them, calling the practice illegal.

The Benue State Education Quality Assurance Board (BEQAEB) rejected claims of fraud, stating that all regulatory actions are backed by law. Its Executive Secretary emphasized efforts to strengthen school monitoring, accreditation, and enforcement. The state enabled major investments in education, including new school buildings, renovations, and the recruitment of over 9,000 teachers, with the sector receiving over 15% of the 2025 budget and 25.29% in 2026. Scepticism emerges from exorbitant charges by certain schools to the BEQAEB.

A new Transparency International policy brief warns that corruption in African education systems disproportionately harms women, girls, marginalised groups and learners with disabilities. Bribery, sextortion, payroll fraud and mismanagement of resources remain widespread at the service delivery level. Country findings show high bribery in school admissions in the DRC (56%) and Zimbabwe (72%), payroll fraud in Ghana, exclusion of disabled learners in Madagascar, and integrity risks in Rwanda’s grading and school programmes. Weak oversight and accountability mechanisms are identified as key drivers of persistent corruption.

The Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command in South Africa opened a criminal case against individuals accused of running a syndicate that sells university and TVET college placements. A spokesperson claims that students were charged between R3,000 and R4,000 for admission, accommodation and bursaries, facilitated through WhatsApp groups and apparent internal contacts. Various institutions across South Africa are alleged to be involved in the actions. Evidence submitted to police includes messages, payment records and testimonies from victims.