In the media

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.

To address corruption in Ukraine’s education sector, the National Agency on Corruption Prevention has held an event to publish its “Education Integrity Development Strategy for 2026–2030”. The campaign aims to instil a culture of honesty, transparency and ethical behaviour across all levels of education. It plans concrete reforms, including updating teaching materials and teacher training in integrity.

Kuwait’s Education Minister formed a committee to check for procurement irregularities and review 115 schoolbook printing and supply contracts for the 2025/2026 school year. The panel, comprising legal and Fatwa Department experts, will audit bids, exclusions, and deadlines, and will have one month to provide their findings and recommendations.

Recurring exam scandals in Senegal, including leaks of confidential test papers, have prompted parents and civil society to call for a deep reform of the education system. Experts cite corruption, weak digital security, and social pressures, recommending changes in curricula, ethics education, and legal enforcement.

The Ministry of Education has launched a new curricula for both primary and secondary schools in Iraq. The aim is to raise awareness and understanding of the concepts of integrity, transparency, human rights and honesty. The new curricula was designed by the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the UNDP. This innovative initiative is the first of its kind to be introduced in Iraq.