The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has withheld the graduation of 178 students following an investigation into the unauthorised alteration of academic results within the university’s information technology system.
The development was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, during the university’s 18th Congregation.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, an internal investigation uncovered more than 500 academic results that had been altered without authorisation.
The investigation reportedly linked the alterations to a scheme involving 178 students and an external individual who allegedly gained access to the university’s academic records system.
Prof. Mawutor said the investigations established that some of the students allegedly paid money to the individual in exchange for having their academic marks increased.
The university has since identified the individual believed to have carried out the unauthorised intrusion into its system.
Some of the students implicated in the matter have also reportedly admitted their involvement in the alteration of their academic results.
As a result, UPSA has blocked the affected students from participating in graduation while disciplinary processes and further investigations continue.
The decision forms part of measures by the university to protect the integrity of its academic records and safeguard the credibility of qualifications awarded by the institution.
Prof. Mawutor commended the university’s Information Technology Department for detecting the irregularities and tracing the altered records within the academic database.
He also assured students, parents and other stakeholders that the university would continue to take disciplinary action against individuals found to have compromised its academic systems.
UPSA’s graduation guidelines state that students with unresolved disciplinary or examination malpractice matters are not eligible to participate in graduation until such issues have been addressed. The university also requires candidates to have passed all required courses and fulfilled the conditions for the award of their degrees or diplomas.
The latest development comes as UPSA holds its 18th Congregation, with the university conducting graduation ceremonies for students from various faculties and programmes.
The case highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of academic records and ensuring that grades and qualifications are obtained through approved academic processes.
The university is expected to continue its disciplinary procedures as it determines the appropriate action in relation to the students and the external individual linked to the alterations.
Tags: UPSA, University of Professional Studies Accra, altered academic results, 178 students, academic fraud, examination malpractice, Ghana education, UPSA graduation, academic records, university education, student results, Ghana universities
Source: Thepressradio.com
