an Eldis Resource
Tackling corruption in education
Authors:
Publisher:
Transparency International , 2007
Corruption affects the delivery of education by reducing both its quality and the resources available, in terms of access and availability. It also increases inequalities and contributes to low enrolment and high drop-out rates. Corruption can only be prevented through public demand for quality education, adequate incentives for teachers and effective mechanisms for sanctions.
A paper from Transparency International, in Germany, looks at corruption in education, identifying its occurrence in educational finance, examinations, and the accreditation of teaching institutions, teacher management and classroom conduct.
In most countries, the public education system is highly centralised, creating risks of corruption at all levels as resources are passed down. Even where a decentralised system is in place, key areas such as teacher payrolls and budget oversight remain the responsibility of government. On average, a country’s education sector consumes between 20 and 30 percent of the national budget, leaving it particularly prone to political manipulation.
Corruption can occur at political and administrative levels as well as in the classroom:
• Decision-makers may invest less in educational services, or divert resources from areas of need to those of relative privilege.
• Allocated resources may not reach their targeted educational institutions, or officials may embezzle funds.
• Funds sent to schools may not be used as allocated: in Mexico studies show that the average household pays an extra US$30 a year for education services that are legally free.
• Fraud occurs in the accreditation of teaching and training institutions, and both qualifications and exam papers may be available for purchase.
• Teacher appointments and promotions may be affected by favouritism, nepotism, cronyism and bribes, and salary payments may be suspect (for example payments to ‘ghost teachers’).
• Absenteeism often goes unpunished, draining the education budget and affecting student attendance and grades. A study in India found only 1 in 3,000 head teachers had ever fired a colleague for repeated absences.
Key recommendations include:
• In education finance and management, clear and objective criteria and regulations should be put in place and made public, along with information regarding education expenses.
• Public accountability channels must be set up to encourage users of education systems to report misconduct and condemn corruption.
• Corruption and fraud should be detectable through the establishment of adequate control mechanisms. Regular audits and inspections are critical.
• Those involved in corruption must face punishment through application of the law.
• Institutions must build up their capacity to enable educators and officials to apply the existing regulations.
