The second university ethics and good governance movement summit has kicked off yesterday in Jimma University. Federal ethics and anti-corruption commission Head said universities should pay equal attention to producing ethical graduates as much as training competent ones. The Head added major construction projects at universities, bids on purchases, student canteen services, etc. should be based on accountability and transparency.

Most secondary school authorities handed over the first term report cards to their students with various remarks. Those who attended classes regularly and worked hard during the term had good averages while others who played games and occupied drinking spots during school hours brought home fake report cards to impress their parents. The "ghost" students were last Friday seen in cyber cafés scanning and modifying their reports cards.

The participants reflected on accountability and transparency of management and financing of the teaching system in DRC, and elaborated implementation strategies for the various stakeholders. .../... Several themes were discussed of which the integrated strategy of the fight against corruption in the education sector and the financing of education by the State at the local level, teachers' salaries, etc.

Corruption is rife in Africa, costing the continent $148 billion each year - money that could be better spent on improving education, health services or infrastructure. Citizens are demanding better. Last year, mobile penetration rose above 80% in Africa and an increasingly tech savvy citizenry are beginning to utilise this technology to hold their governments to account.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has asked the Minister of Education to "urgently probe alleged stealing of teachers" salaries and benefits in several Federal Government colleges across the country, and punish suspected perpetrators.

The Department of Basic Education has finalised the terms of reference for the task team that will investigate allegations of selling of posts within the sector. The names of the task team members will be announced once the proposed list has been gazetted. Basic Education Minister established the task team after recent media reports alleging that some posts in the education sector were sold for cash.