In the media

A report by Dublin City University Anti-Corruption Research Centre found that up to 11 per cent of adults have been asked for sexual acts by public servants or know someone who has been. The study highlights that women and minority groups are more vulnerable, and that factors like discretionary power and lack of transparency in these sectors contribute to the problem.

A Moroccan court sentenced a university professor and four others for bribery and illegally selling master’s degree placements at Ibn Zohr University. The case highlighted the need for major reforms, including more transparency in admissions, stronger oversight, digital systems, and stricter anti-corruption measures to restore confidence in the education system.

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.

The Zambian Ministry of Education has launched the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS) in 29 districts to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in managing education funds. The system will cover 71 secondary schools across selected provinces and integrate budgeting, procurement, accounting, and reporting into one platform. To support implementation, the government has supplied ICT equipment to participating schools.

Delhi Chief Minister launched the CM Jan Sunwai Portal and mobile app to improve public services and transparency. Citizens can now register and track complaints related to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the Delhi Development Authority and the Delhi Police on a single platform. The Government also launched secure digital platforms, including e-District services and a new digital platform to support disadvantaged groups with fair access to free private education.

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.

The Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines has partnered with Open Ownership to strengthen transparency and integrity in education procurement. DepEd manages the country’s largest education budget, making procurement a high-risk area for corruption. The initiative pilots the use of beneficial ownership data to identify hidden conflicts of interest, bid rotation, market concentration and undisclosed links among suppliers. The agreement includes technical assistance and contract analysis to reduce irregularities and aligns with the New Government Procurement Act.

A Supreme Court mandate has prompted an expansive audit of private, non-government, and deemed universities in India. The directive follows a student's conflict over a name amendment, revealing larger concerns about administrative transparency and governance within these institutions, and in particular the prevalence of slow or ineffective grievance response systems within Indian higher education. Other areas where opaque practices are often reported, such as admission, recruitment and use of funds, are also now under direct examination.

Education authorities in the Philippines have signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) to take action against “diploma mills”. The establishment of the JMC is a direct response to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which found an alarming level of unaccredited and substandard programs in higher education, especially in teacher education. The JMC addresses this until 2029 by establishing, among others, an Online National Registry (ONR) and a Quality Assurance Harmonization Committee to create transparency over accredited programs.