University of Eldoret VC: Altered exam results cancelled

The University of Eldoret cancelled the results of some 163 students after their marks were irregularly altered before last year’s graduation.

Vice-Chancellor Teresa Akenga told the National Assembly’s Education Committee that staff irregularly raised the marks to post good results for some students.

Prof Akenga was appearing before the committee to explain the cause of last month’s unrest at the institution, which led to its closure.

“Low marks were increased while students with supplementary papers were indicated to have done special exams. Those who scored 40 marks had them increased to 60 or even more,” she said.

The irregularity was detected by the Enterprise Resource Programme (ERP), a tamper-proof system.

“The system records and detects any interference and minimises complaints by students arising from missing marks. It is continually monitored by qualified auditors,” said Prof Akenga.

She told the committee chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly that the university would summon the affected candidates for hearings to ascertain if they played a role in the malpractice.

ISOLATED CASE

Prof Akenga said the staff from the were involved in changing the marks for the candidates to post higher grades.

The vice-chancellor, however, said this was an isolated case as grading at the university is conducted transparently using tightly controlled internal and external quality assurance checks.

She surprised committee members when she told them that the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Prof Ezekiel Kiprop, had altered an advertisement on the qualifications of the academic staff to be promoted.

“After we realised that the requirements set by the university council were different from those advertised, the council made a correction that was sent to all the lecturers,” Prof Akenga said.

Prof Kiprop, who was present, did not deny the allegation.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) Ruth Otunga was also present.

Prof Akenga said 10 associate professors had applied to become full professors and seven were promoted, while of the 23 senior lecturers, who sought to become associate professors, 12 were successful.

She denied allegations of irregular procurement at the university, saying the process was strictly guided by the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.

The House team members accused Uasin Gishu Senator Isaac Melly of taking the law into his own hands by storming the university to evict Prof Akenga “because she is not from the Rift Valley”.

The committee agreed to summon Mr Melly and other MPs.

The University Council chairman, Mr Sarone ole Sena, will also appear before the committee to shed more light on the issues raised.