Corruption continues to undermine access to inclusive education in Rwanda, with bribery and sexual exploitation reported in both secondary schools and higher learning institutions, according to new studies by Transparency International Rwanda (TI-Rwanda). The findings, presented on January 29, 2026, detail persistent and multi-layered forms of malpractice affecting student placement, academic progression, and service delivery in schools and universities. The studies point to corruption risks in student admissions, changes in subject combinations, examinations and grading, school feeding programmes, as well as teachers’ placement and transfers. ALSO READ: New details emerge on university lecturer charged with sexual abuse According to the study titled “Invisible Barriers: Citizen Perceptions and Experiences of How Corruption in the Education Sector Undermines Access and Equity for Women, Girls, and Other Groups at Risk of Discrimination, respondents perceived relatively low but significant levels of bribery in secondary schools. About 8 percent reported bribing for student placement, while around 5 percent cited bribery related to grades, school feeding, or changing subject combinations. Despite efforts by the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) to automate student placement after Primary Six and Ordinary Level examinations, the system remains vulnerable, particularly during the complaints-handling process. “There are risks of corruption at the stage where complaints are handled,” said Bruce Gashema, a senior researcher at TI-Rwanda. ALSO READ: UR senate raises red flag on ‘academic corruption’ One teacher quoted in the study said bribery persists despite government reforms. “There are cases where students or parents are asked to pay bribes to gain admission to certain schools or to secure preferred combinations at advanced level. Even Teacher Training Colleges, which benefit from government subsidies, are not immune,” the respondent said. The study found that students selected directly by Rwanda Education Board (REB) and NESA through national examinations are less likely to face bribery. However, some school administrators reportedly reserve places for students whose families engage in corrupt practices. ALSO READ: University lecturer arrested over sexual abuse Disproportionate impact on girls and vulnerable groups The findings show that corruption disproportionately affects women, girls, and vulnerable learners. Females (7.8 percent), students from low-income households (8.6 percent), persons with disabilities (9.2 percent), students with mental disabilities (46.1 percent), and those with stigmatised illnesses (10.2 percent) were more likely to pay bribes to secure placement than their peers. “Girls from poor families are often treated unfairly. Those who cannot afford fees or bribes may feel pressured to offer sexual favours to remain in school,” said Olivia Kayitesi, Executive Director of Empower Rwanda. She noted that many victims remain silent due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in reporting systems. Students with disabilities are also particularly vulnerable. According to Gashema, stigma and discrimination often lead families to believe bribery is the only way to secure school admission for children with mental disabilities. Sexual exploitation for grades The studies also document widespread sexual corruption, with teachers misusing their authority to demand sexual acts in exchange for grades, exam access, or academic progression. “Some perpetrators hold senior administrative positions, making reporting extremely risky,” the study notes. Women and girls reported persistent sexual pressure, threats, intimidation, and harassment, often disguised as mentorship or supervision. In some cases, students who rejected advances were subjected to unjustified academic penalties. One student and teenage mother from Kamonyi District, quoted in the report, described ongoing harassment after returning to school following a Covid-19-related closure. “One of my teachers constantly harasses me because I refused to have sexual intercourse with him. He tells me I am a ‘mature mother’ and mocks me,” she said. Another testimony described an orphaned student who was forced to repeat a year after refusing sexual demands from a teacher. Higher education not spared Sexual corruption was also reported in higher learning institutions. One student, identified as “Sonia” to protect her identity, said her lecturer demanded sexual favours in exchange for a passing grade. After she refused, she failed repeatedly, delaying her graduation and causing severe emotional distress. Other respondents reported lecturers offering exam questions or academic favours to female students in exchange for sex. Weak oversight and reporting gaps According to the studies, corruption in schools and universities is fuelled by power imbalances, weak enforcement of policies, and inadequate independent oversight. Cases of misconduct are often handled internally, resulting in limited accountability. Whistleblower protection remains weak, leaving students and staff exposed to retaliation. The studies also point to limited capacity among educators to address gender-based vulnerabilities, as well as conflicts of interest in private institutions where perpetrators have ties to school owners. Lack of confidential or anonymous reporting channels further discourages victims from coming forward. Sylvie Uwimbabazi, Cross-Cutting Programmes Specialist at the Ministry of Education, said the research helps assess existing challenges, some of which had been reported and addressed previously. “The study highlights issues such as bribery. However, what we are proud of is that while the problem was very serious in the past, the findings show that measures put in place are beginning to yield results.” “The Ministry of Education collaborates with other institutions in combating corruption. We have also integrated anti-corruption courses into the curriculum in primary and secondary schools, as well as organised campaign talk shows in universities to raise awareness about the impact of corruption,” she added. She added that Article 67 of the special statute issued in 2024 governing employees of basic education institutions highlights serious offences and disciplinary sanctions that can lead to dismissal. “One of the serious offences is soliciting, receiving, or offering a bribe or any illegal benefit in order to provide or obtain a particular service, which results in dismissal.” To avoid bribe in food supply for school feeding she said the supply is currently being procured at national level. She noted that fighting corruption remains an ongoing journey. “Corruption takes place between two people. Sexual corruption, in particular, is often kept secret, and in some cases, victims do not report it. That is why we continue to raise awareness about prevention measures, including reporting cases to the Isange One Stop Centre, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), and the Police,” she said. “Policies exist, but enforcement is crucial. Reporting sexual corruption is key,” she said, noting a recent arrest of a lecturer over sexual harassment. The studies recommend establishing independent sexual misconduct and ethics committees in all institutions, mandating annual public reports on handled cases, supporting student-led anti-corruption initiatives, and conducting regular audits. Allen Cyizanye, Executive Secretary of the Gender Monitoring Office, called for confidential and anonymous reporting systems, including online platforms and hotlines, alongside guarantees against retaliation. Other recommendations include mandatory annual training on sexual corruption and gender equality, strict sanctions for perpetrators, digitised and peer-reviewed grading systems, and the establishment of gender desks and counselling units in all secondary schools and higher learning institutions.
