Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University to audit 2024 graduates after irregularities in graduation list

All students who graduated from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) on October 18, 2024, will undergo a reexamination before receiving their certificates, following revelations of irregularities in the graduation process.

The university's senate announced the decision after it was discovered that some names appeared on the preliminary graduation list despite the students not meeting the necessary qualifications.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, JOOUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Emily Akuno explained that the institution's internal controls, including a whistleblowing policy, had flagged the issue.

"We wish to clarify that due to stringent internal controls, including a robust whistle-blowing policy, the university noticed that some students' names were appearing in the preliminary graduation list when they ought not to," the statement read.

As a result, the university removed those names from the final list.

To ensure the integrity of the graduation process, the university has established an audit committee tasked with verifying all graduates before they are awarded their certificates.

EACC to review process

The Senate also confirmed that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) would be involved in the review process to ensure transparency.

"Consequently, these names were expunged from the final graduation list. As a precautionary measure, the university immediately after graduation constituted a team to conduct a thorough audit of all graduands before issuing any certificate," the statement read further.

This development follows a series of allegations surrounding the university's October graduation.

The EACC is currently investigating claims that over 200 unqualified students were allowed to graduate after bribing university officials.

The commission has launched an inquiry into the matter, with a particular focus on the School of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

EACC spokesperson Erick Ngumbi condemned the practice, describing it as a serious violation of the principles governing higher education institutions.

"We have launched investigations into a fresh scandal at the JOOUST in relation to the graduation that took place last month October 18, 2024. It is alleged that six university officials received bribes to facilitate the graduation of over 200 unqualified students," he said.

In response to the allegations, the EACC has called on the university administration to take swift action. The commission also urged the Ministry of Education to strengthen regulatory frameworks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

"There are issues that are supposed to be handled by the regulatory bodies, the university itself, as the EACC deals with the issues relating to corruption," Ngumbi added.

The situation at JOOUST comes amid broader concerns over academic integrity and financial mismanagement within Kenyan universities.

The EACC is also investigating the misappropriation of Sh2.2 billion at Moi University, highlighting growing concerns about financial and academic governance in the country's higher education sector.

The university has vowed to expedite the vetting process and ensure that all graduates meet the necessary academic and ethical standards before their certificates are issued.