On May 11, the Anti-Corruption Forum “Corruption in Education” organised by BIRN Montenegro and the Civic Alliance, called on authorities to focus on issues such as the purchase of illegal diplomas and political influence within the school system.
Deputy Prime Minister Momo Koprivica said corruption in education is not only a matter of legality but also of trust in a society of equal opportunities.
“The purchase of diplomas and exams is the most common form of corruption and the one most discussed, but the forms of corruption in education are significantly broader and more versatile,” Koprivica said.
“Young people must see that institutions operate according to the law, that knowledge is valued, and that dishonest actions are sanctioned,” he added.
BIRN Montenegro Executive Director Vuk Maras said corruption in education had undermined trust in institutions. He called on state institutions to demonstrate transparency regarding verification of their own diplomas.
“Purchased diplomas are being equated with those earned through hard work and study. This leads to a brain drain and the departure of the best and brightest from the country,” Maras said.
“I call on institutions, decision makers and the academic community to work on creating a system where knowledge and work will be more important than connections and money,” he added.
During the Forum discussions, civic activists, MPs and university representatives warned of insufficient transparency and political influence in the process of selecting school directors. They also urged authorities to fight against corruption in the school and university system.