APPROXIMATELY 1,000 teachers, have used fake certificates and transcripts to secure their teaching employment across the country, a source from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development revealed.
The source said many of these teachers attached fake certificates and transcripts to their applications through the various Education Authorities in the country.
The source said in Malaita, a significant number of teachers have been found to have submitted fake qualifications to secure their positions.
When asked about the ministry’s plan to address the issue, the source indicated that while MEHRD is aware of the situation, it has not yet determined a course of action to take.
In a related development, the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has suspended one of itsofficers after an internal investigation established his involvement in the forgery and unlawful issuance of SINU certificates and transcripts.
The investigation revealed that the Admissions and Enrollment Officer at the Student Administration Services, accepted payments from students with outstanding fees in exchange for unauthorized certificates and transcripts.
This practice violates SINU’s policies and ethical standards.
“The fraudulent actions came to light after reports from both internal and external sources, including the Ministry of Education and Human Resources, identified discrepancies in academic records.
The investigation confirmed that certificates and transcripts issued to certain students were falsified, featuring forged signatures and fabricated details,” a university statement said
Additionally, officers from the Malaita Provincial Education Authority have commenced a verification exercise earlier last month to assess teacher’s postings across schools in the province.
This effort is part of the ministry’s initiative to ensure the integrity of teachers and their postings in the country.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
