Over a dozen Malian teachers were arrested in the capital Bamako for manipulating the grades of Basic Studies Diploma (DEF) in exchange for bribes paid by students’ parents.
This fraud, according to the courts, is of unprecedented scale and casts a shadow over the integrity of the Malian education system.
The arrests took place at the Left Bank Academy’s correctional center, following an investigation by the Judicial Investigation Brigade.
The suspects, mainly guidance counselors, allegedly altered grades on hundreds of exam papers.
A judicial inquiry has been opened at the Commune III court, with charges of forgery, use of forged documents, and corruption pending under Mali’s Penal Code.
The Ministry of National Education confirmed the arrests and pledged tighter surveillance, while the Malian Parents’
Association welcomed the legal action and called for deeper reforms. Proceedings are ongoing.
