By Johnathan Paoli
The University of Johannesburg has less than two weeks to provide the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education with a detailed report on academic fraud.
The committee met several stakeholders at the university this week to discuss governance and administrative matters, and allegations of academic misconduct involving a former employee.
The meeting, which included university management, the Student Representative Council (SRC) and the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu), was prompted by concerns over allegations of academic fraud uncovered during a forensic investigation.
The investigation revealed that postgraduate students were allegedly awarded marks for incomplete subjects and granted diplomas without meeting academic requirements.
The committee expressed deep concern regarding the handling of the allegations, particularly focusing on the former employee who has claimed unfair targeting prior to their dismissal.
While this individual resigned amid the controversy, the committee questioned why they were the only one facing consequences, with no formal charges brought against other implicated individuals or the students who benefited from the alleged misconduct.
“The full extent of this issue remains unknown, raising concerns about potential fraud in undergraduate and other postgraduate programmes. Ignoring this serious matter is unacceptable,” committee chair Tebogo Letsie said in a statement.
While addressing the allegations, the committee acknowledged UJ’s commendable achievements, including its ranking as the sixth-best institution in the country for research output and first for publications issued.
It also praised UJ for initiatives such as upgrading its residences, providing a free inter-campus bus service and transitioning to electric buses.
However, during the discussions, the SRC raised concerns about safety near campus boundaries, particularly at the Doornfontein campus, citing issues of crime and the scarcity of affordable student housing. This has led to overcrowding and extended waiting lists for university residences.
Also, mental health challenges among students were highlighted, exacerbated by academic pressures and insufficient counselling resources.
The committee found the SRC’s presentation lacking, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by students reliant on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
The committee recommended that the SRC provide a more comprehensive overview of these issues in future engagements.
Nehawu brought attention to a Council on Higher Education report that indicated that UJ has the highest-paid Vice-Chancellor and several other top officials, pointing to significant disparities in remuneration within the institution.
In light of the serious allegations and the need for transparency, the committee has requested UJ to provide written explanations regarding the academic fraud and related matters.
INSIDE EDUCATION
