The rot in higher learning institutions that engage in academic malpractices can now be revealed.
From selling certificates to “cleaning” of degrees, the institutions are riddled with corruption and greed.
Investigations led us to a number of them, which were ready to dish out certificates without requiring one to step into a classroom.
For as little as Sh3,000, students are given certificates without setting foot in class. Even Standard Six drop-outs have found their way into these institutions.
Recent data indicates that almost half of the graduates from Kenyan universities and colleges are half-baked for the job market.
According to education regulators and the Inter-University Council for East Africa, the quality of human resources is nose-diving.
The Nairobi Aviation College boasts of 16 years of offering professional training. But damaging claims — by its own employees — that it is riddled with fraud continue to stain its reputation.
HELPED THOUSANDS
A lecturer at the college told us that he had helped thousands of students to acquire certificates without them setting foot in class. He bragged about his network across all campuses.
Our undercover “student” was given two options. The long wait in which he was to be charged a fee of Sh3,000 or the express option that would cost him Sh4,000.
“If you have Sh5,000, you will have a Nairobi Aviation certificate. So long as you know someone in management,” he said.
The “student” obtained a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering from the institution, without ever stepping into a classroom.
And now, his leaving certificate, complete with an admission number, says he completed a diploma course in Aeronautical Engineering after three years of studying. The college official backdated it to September 2010.
The remarks about our operative are that he was generally of good conduct; a well-behaved student, hard working, trustworthy and cooperative; ready for the market or any other institution of higher learning.
The college recommended him to any employer.
UNFORTUNATE REPORTS
Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi says it is unfortunate that such cases are being reported, saying such institutions should be shut down.
“There is something I have been telling our quality assurance bodies be courageous enough to do: close these institutions!
“I have a feeling, in view of what you’ve shown me here, that some people don’t close these institutions because they are bribed,” says Prof Kaimenyi.
To be admitted to Nairobi Aviation College, for instance, our “student” paid a fee of Sh7,200 and was given a receipt with a breakdown of what he was paying for.
With an admission number, writing books and a T-Shirt, our student was ready to start attending classes. The college did not ask him for any form of identification.
Older and established universities are being accused by their peers of retaining students for long periods without graduating them, creating a chance for others to “poach”.