The Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC) has ordered the intervention of the Instituto Técnico Superior de Gestión Privada San Expedito, located in Horqueta, in the department of Concepción, to investigate the suspected irregular issuance of approximately 1,800 teaching degrees. The measure, launched last week, is the first in a broader investigation into an alleged network issuing fake diplomas that could involve other higher education institutions in the country.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Hermenegildo Cohene stated that the purpose of the audit is to obtain reliable information to support the ministry's actions. "The audit will precisely allow us to obtain trustworthy information in order to act," he said, referring to the 1,800 documents under suspicion. He warned that further interventions may be carried out: "This is the first, but it could reach more institutions."
The resolution that ordered the intervention mentions news reports about possible irregularities at the institute and assigns the MEC, under Law No. 5749/2017, the authority to enable, license, supervise, intervene, and shut down educational establishments. The intervention team is led by Carmen Paredes Subeldía and also includes Néstor Denis García, with powers to take urgent measures, access documentation, and incorporate new members if necessary.
Paredes stated that the work will be conducted with transparency and objectivity. "I am just beginning, but with the firm promise of carrying out work that is objective, transparent, and, above all, safeguarding the quality of Paraguayan education," she said. The expected timeframe for the audit is 45 days, at the end of which the intervener must present reports and recommendations on the institutional situation.
Last week, Minister Luis Ramírez had already reported that the MEC identified approximately 250 cases of people who allegedly took positions using forged documents and another 300 degrees with signs of falsification. The investigations revealed situations such as completely forged diplomas, people who completed courses without having attended them, and universities unable to verify the academic history of supposed graduates.
The National Council of Higher Education (Cones), also chaired by Ramírez, is expected to carry out inspections that could result in interventions at universities. The ministry works jointly with the council to expand oversight of academic degree validation in the country.