The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has instructed districts to sanction at least 38 candidates who sat for the teacher recruitment examination after investigations established that they engaged in various forms of malpractice. They are accused of using mobile phones and impersonation during the examinations. The examinations was conducted from June 1 to 9, as part of the recruitment process for teachers in public schools across the country. In a letter dated June 22, REB Directro General Nelson Mbarushimana asked 17 district leaders to take sanctions against the teachers not later than July 10. ALSO READ: Why we must fight against examination malpractices Speaking to The New Times, Johnson Ntagaramba, Director of the Teacher Management and Staffing Unit at REB, said investigations uncovered several forms of cheating during the examination exercise. We found candidates who were using mobile phones during the examination, which is strictly prohibited. We also identified cases where some individuals hired or sent other people to sit the examinations on their behalf, he said. Ntagaramba noted that such actions constitute serious violations of public recruitment regulations and automatically led to the cancellation of examination results. He said the affected individuals fall into two categories: teachers who were already employed in public schools under government contracts and sat the examination seeking promotion, and those who had no prior teaching appointment and were applying to enter the teaching profession. The affected candidates face additional penalties depending on the nature and gravity of the offence. For those already employed under government contracts, we have requested districts to take sanctions in accordance with public service regulations. The districts are responsible for determining the appropriate penalities he said. ALSO READ: Education minister warns against malpractices as national exams begin Candidates with no prior teaching appointment will also be sanctioned under provisions governing recruitment malpractice in public service, including possible bans from applying for public service jobs for a specified period. Some candidates may be barred from applying for public service jobs for one year, while others can be prohibited for up to five years. The sanction depends on the type of misconduct and the circumstances under which the candidate was caught, Ntagaramba explained. The teachers are in the districts of Burera, Gakenke, Karongi, Kayonza, Kirehe, Muhanga, Musanze, Ngoma, Ngororero, Nyabihu, Nyagatare, Nyamasheke, Nyanza, Rubavu, Rulindo, Rutsiro and Rwamagana. ALSO READ: Results for 227 students withheld over malpractices REB also directed district authorities to investigate the affected candidates and submit feedback on sanction measures taken against them. Districts have until July 10, 2026 to provide reports detailing action taken in each case.
