In the media

Education Cabinet Secretary raised concerns about school heads potentially inflating candidate numbers for national examinations in Kenya. Similar concerns were raised during the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam, where 9,354 students registered but did not sit the exam. To curb "ghost candidates, this year KCSE registration will be done based on the data in the National Education Management Information System.

In the last three years, corruption suspicions in the Sindh School Education Department prompted investigations by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the FIA's anti-corruption wing. Issues include overpriced biometric machines, questionable contracts, and undisclosed transactions. A two-member inquiry board is looking into complaints from professors. Cases of corruption in the college education department, including funds for activities like digital libraries and teacher training, remain unresolved.

Two teachers from Dlumana High School in Manyeleti, Mpumalanga, and Tuscany Glen High School in Cape Town were dismissed for their involvement in a matric exam cheating scandal. The Mpumalanga teacher posted answers to a life sciences paper on WhatsApp during the 2022 exams, while the Cape Town teacher forwarded exam questions to students via WhatsApp. This incident is part of a broader cheating scandal involving 935 pupils.

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 Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) has established strategic command centers across the nation to address various issues plaguing schools. These include actions like dismissing students over unpaid fees, offering paid extra lessons, discriminatory enrollment practices, corporal punishment, imposing unapproved fees, and other misconduct. The MoPSE's communications and advocacy director urged stakeholders to utilize designated contacts to report any malpractices. The goal is to ensure that every school-going child receives a quality, fair, and comprehensive primary, and secondary education.

Sindh Education Department has launched an investigation after a primary school teacher in Pakistan was granted maternity leave three times in a single year. Corruption and negligence in the Government education sector are widespread in Sindh with many cases of ghost schools and teachers. A video revealed a state primary school in Mirpurkhas only existed on paper. Salaries were disbursed monthly to fictitious faculty, while the school grounds housed animals.

A study reveals that a significant number of UK universities continue to accept millions in cash for tuition and accommodation payments, making them vulnerable to money laundering risks. Around 22 universities still accepted cash payments, with the total reaching £12m in 2019-20. The research highlights concern about anti-money-laundering guidelines not being strictly followed and universities not reporting suspicious activity, potentially endangering staff and students. The study calls for stricter legislation to address these vulnerabilities.

Two teachers were arrested for allegedly engaging in examination malpractices during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at Dunkwa Secondary Technical Centre in Ghana's Central Region. The suspects, tutors at different schools, were caught attempting to smuggle answered exam questions into the hall. Police recovered two mobile phones and answered papers from them. Last year, 12 individuals were arrested at two examination centers for similar malpractices.

The Minister of Higher Education commissioned a report into the affairs of Unisa, Africa's biggest open distance learning institution. There have been claims of maladministration, as well as tender irregularities, allegedly involving the University's Vice Chancellor and principal. The report found that Unisa has been plagued by governance issues since 2016. It included the flouting of procurement processes, irregular appointment of staff members, as well as huge salary increases.

Arunachal Pradesh's Special Investigation Cell (SIC) raided the Directorate of Elementary Education and the Director's residence over the alleged illegal appointment of 28 primary teachers in Longding district. A case has been filed, investigating corrupt practices in the appointments. The SIC aims to uncover the truth and gather evidence through intensive investigations and coordinated raids in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.