1-10 of 229 results

  • Newspaper

    Fake academic papers are on the rise: Why they’re a danger and how to stop them

    South Africa

    Press

    Lex Bouter - The Conversation

    In an analysis carried out jointly by the Publications Ethics Committee and the International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers, over half of the 3,440 articles submitted over a two-year period were found to be fake. Open science practices, such as pre-registration of study plans and registered reports could promote transparency and accountability. Recognizing the importance of peer review and rewarding reviewers can also strengthen academic integrity and reduce the proliferation of suspect articles.

  • Newspaper

    Qualification authentication system to combat fake degrees

    Libya

    Press

    Wagdy Sawahe - University World News

    To combat certificate forgery in Higher Education, Libya joined the Unified Arab System for Blockchain-based Certificate Authentication. This initiative, spearheaded by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), provides a reliable method for verifying academic qualifications. Experts advocate for similar systems across Africa to strengthen hiring practices and ensure credential credibility. They suggest leveraging blockchain technology and collaborating with international organizations for widespread implementation.

  • Newspaper

    Scandal unfolds at University of Fort Hare: Academic integrity in question over plagiarism claims

    South Africa

    Press

    Emmanuel Abara Benson - BNN

    A Professor from the University of Fort Hare faces accusations of failing to address plagiarism in the theses of nine postgraduate students under his supervision. A confidential report revealed that he knew about the plagiarism but only advised students to 'reduce' it. This has sparked concerns about the University's commitment to academic standards and raised questions about the quality of the supervision. Despite the findings, the professor remains employed, leading to debate.

  • Newspaper

    Flawed verification systems to blame for forged certificates

    Kenya

    Press

    Gilbert Nganga - University World News

    Kenya's public sector is facing a crisis as an audit by the Public Service Commission revealed more than 2,000 cases of fake academic and professional certificates among government employees. It was found that 787 civil servants had used false credentials, ranging from fake secondary and tertiary education certificates to altered grades. This widespread fraud, which affects several government institutions, undermines public confidence. The proposed legislation aims to tackle the problem, but urgent reforms are needed to restore integrity and accountability.

  • Newspaper

    ‘Honorary degrees to go to the honourable, not the riff-raff’

    Nigeria

    Press

    Afeez Bolaji - University World News

    Nigeria's higher education sector is concerned about the commercialization of honorary degrees, with titles being awarded to undeserving individuals. Despite the Keffi Declaration's guidelines, the unethical practice persists, prompting the President’s condemnation. Educators stress the importance of merit over monetary contributions and urge adherence to the Declaration's guidelines to restore integrity to the process.

  • Video

    Corruption compromises ompromises quality of Zimbabwe's education

    Zimbabwe

    Video

    Nqobile Tshili - The Chronicle

    According to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission, the widespread incidents of sextortion and academic fraud at the country's higher and tertiary learning institutions is a serious threat to the integrity of the degrees and diploma qualifications.

  • Newspaper

    Crackdown on illegal institutions yields first conviction

    Malawi

    Press

    Joy VC Ndovi - University World News

    The conviction of an executive from an unregistered university marks a significant step in Malawi's efforts to combat illegal higher education institutions. The official operating unregistered universities was fined and faces imprisonment for offering fake qualifications. While civil society organizations advocate for more arrests and consequences for employers recognizing qualifications from such institutions, the conviction underscores the importance of regulatory enforcement to maintain educational integrity. Calls for a National Qualification Authority Bill aim to strengthen regulatory frameworks, yet progress remains uncertain.

  • Newspaper

    Committee is probing degree mills and measures to stop them

    Nigeria

    Press

    Afeez Bolaji - University World News

    A committee in Nigeria, led by the Minister of Education, is investigating degree racketeering and degree mills. Affiliated institutions in several countries are under scrutiny. The committee seeks to address breaches in the accreditation process for both local and foreign universities, following revelations of fraudulent practices highlighted in an investigative report. Experts suggest improving accreditation processes and public awareness to combat the issue.

  • Newspaper

    Teachers fired for leaking matric exam information

    South Africa

    Press

    Melody Chironda - All Africa

    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.

  • Newspaper

    Nigeria launches crackdown on fake degrees

    Nigeria

    Press

    Shehu Salmanu - All Africa

    Following a report exposing the widespread issue of fake degrees in Nigeria's academic institutions, the government has established an inter-ministerial committee to investigate this matter. 107 local private universities that have operated in the past 15 years will be scrutinized. A journalist revealed that a Bachelor's degree can be obtained in six weeks without attending classes.

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