The Ministry of Education has admitted there is a lack of transparency regarding the awarding of educational qualifications in Laos.
Minister of Education Dr Phankham Viphavanh spoke to the latest session of the Lao National Assembly (NA) on Friday.
Dr Phankham confessed admissions to universities are often granted unfairly and degrees and other qualifications are often forged.
“It's true there are many cases of counterfeit degrees and certificates and some teachers and education officials are involved in that process.”
Dr Phankham said the ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security, has attempted to crack down on the problem by investigating cases and arresting those involved.
He said that forged educational qualifications are often produced by individuals inside the sector and modern technology and equipment exacerbates the problem.
“Modern technology like scanning and photocopying facilitate such crimes.”
Other issues raised by NA members were the low standard of education, teacher shortages, and a lack of integrity in university entrance examinations.
Dr Phankham said some of the accusations are true, while others are just public rumours.
In regards to examination processes, he said all procedures are strictly followed, with the responsible committees and representatives participating in the process.
“For example, district deputy governors participate in and oversee general education final exams at the district level, and provincial deputy governors at the provincial level.”
The minister said strict measures are in place to ensure students do not cheat in exams, including a restriction on movement and a ban on all communication devices in exam venues.
“In Vientiane, the people who have written the exam papers are allocated rooms in a guesthouse for a few days where they must stay without any form of communication before and during the exams.”
“However, it's impossible to stop dishonest and unethical teachers from helping students and awarding them higher grades than they actually earn. The ministry continues to educate teachers about the need for ethical standards,” Dr Phankham said.
He said the ministry is planning to use the latest in information and communication technology systems to control the examination process in the future.
The minister called on the public and NA to participate in finding solutions to the problems facing the sector.
“If people experience anything suspicious, please inform the ministry so we can investigate the matter and ensure that those caught doing the wrong thing will be punished according to the law,” said Dr Phankham.
Cheer, Dr Phankham. If he can show his can show his ministry weak point and can find the solution I really respect in you and the other Minister should learn from him
Cheer, Dr Phankham. If he can show his ministry weak point and can find the solution I really respect in you and the other Minister should learn from him
it's about time! Bravo! to a whistle blower (the gentleman who speak up about inequality in education). If the government keeps doing the way they do in decade after decade. Our beloved country Laoswill go nowhere period!
