Strathmore University, renowned for its academic excellence, is facing a serious scandal involving allegations of manipulating exam grades.
Several insiders said there is evidence of potential academic misconduct within the institution.
Professor Fred Ogola, who was recently dismissed, concerned about his reputation, wrote a letter of concern to the institution with his evidence copying to the Commission of University Education.
He sought investigations into the matter.
Others have come forward with documents and testimonies suggesting a network of professors, lecturers, and administrators colluded to inflate grades.
The motives behind this alleged malpractice remain unclear, but rumors of monetary incentives and personal connections influencing the scheme have emerged.
During the investigation, current and former students shared concerns about biased grading, inconsistent evaluation criteria, and incompetence by the university administration.
One anonymous student described an encounter where a professor hinted at providing “extra assistance” to improve grades, indicating a wider operation.
In particular, the Capstone Business Simulation course taught by Professor Ogola raised concerns.
Students noticed a pattern where high-performing students who were to get As received low grades Cs, while underperforming students received high grades, As.
When approached about this discrepancy, Professor Ogola claimed he was not responsible as the faculty waited after he had left as the academic director mess up with the grading system.
Disturbed by these findings, Professor Ogola wrote a letter to Dr. Vincent Ogutu, the Vice Chancellor of Strathmore University, expressing his belief that exam results were manipulated and requesting a thorough investigation.
However, the university dismissed Professor Ogola’s claims and maintained that their examination procedures were conducted with integrity.
In response, Professor Ogola reached out to Capsim Business Simulation, the software provider, to investigate unauthorized access to his cybersecurity rights.
Capsim confirmed that Strathmore University requested Professor Ogola’s removal from the system, further validating his concerns.
While student’s grades had been released to the students on 5th June, Capstone said Strathmore university contacted about the grades on 7th of June.
That means, with great concerns and dismay according to Prof. Fred Ogola, the University cooked the exam results – he said he has evidence the University cooked the student’s exams.
Professor Ogola, who is also a celebrated activist, said the mainstream print media editors of the Daily Nation, The Standard, The Star and People Daily newspapers refused to publish the fake grading of exams at Strathmore despite him having all the evidence.
“I think these newspapers are being controlled by their advertisers or those they partner with, it’s a shame because it seems our professional Kenyan journalism is going to the dogs,” he told Hot News by phone.
Professor Ogola is pursuing legal action after the University Commission and the Vice Chancellor ignored his requests for an investigation.
The reputation of Strathmore University has been tarnished, leaving students, parents, alumni, and faculty members grappling with doubt and a sense of betrayal.
This scandal highlights the need for academic institutions nationwide to strengthen their commitment to ethical practices and robust evaluation systems.
This newspaper will continue to monitor the investigation and provide updates on any developments to uncover the truth.