The Ministry of Education, last week, disclosed that some institutions are yet to comply with a directive that requires employers in public offices to submit the academic transcripts of their staff for verification.

According to the ministry, ignoring the directive frustrates the efforts to curb forged academic papers.

There have been cases where teachers and school administrators have lost their jobs and sentenced to prison terms after it emerged that they lied about their academic qualification when seeking employment.

Education is among the extremely sensitive fields, and if instructors are not qualified, it’s the students who are cheated as they get substandard training.

Additionally, the issue of morality comes into play. One who uses forged transcripts lacks the moral standing to raise future generations to be responsible and upright citizens.

Institutions of learning as well as other organizations, should carefully scrutinize all job applications, and verify the transcripts, prior to hiring.

For the staff that are already in service, the institution administration should also verify the qualifications of the existing staff.

Those found to have used dubious means to get their jobs should not only be fired, but also sued so that the law takes its course. It is the heavy punishments that will deter such crimes and keep our institutions clean.

Ends