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UJ expels 50 students for fraudulent doctor’s notes submitted by students seeking to avoid classes.
(The Post News)- Johannesburg, South Africa – In a bid to maintain academic integrity, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has taken decisive action against students found guilty of submitting fake doctor’s notes to justify their absences.
According to reports, several students have been expelled from the institution for fabricating medical certificates.
The university’s strict stance comes after an investigation uncovered a significant number of fraudulent doctor’s notes submitted by students seeking to avoid classes or postpone exams.
UJ officials stated that the expulsions serve as a warning to others who might consider engaging in similar conduct.
“We take academic integrity very seriously at UJ,” said the university spokesperson, Herman Esterhuizen.
“Fabricating medical certificates is a serious offence, and we will not tolerate it. We urge students to prioritise their academic commitments and seek help when needed, rather than resorting to dishonest means.”
Of the 50 expelled students, 25 were found guilty of producing fake medical certificates to justify absences during exams.
Additionally, 25 other students were expelled for various offences, including unauthorised use of notes, plagiarism, visa fraud, and assault.
The university’s online system detected potential plagiarism and academic misconduct during examinations.
Esterhuizen emphasised that the number of transgressions is a small percentage of the overall student population, which numbers nearly 54,000.
25 of them are expelled for five years, but three of those years are suspended.
Higher Education Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe commended the University of Johannesburg for its decisive action.
The expelled students have been notified and are no longer permitted to attend classes or participate in university activities.
The university has also vowed to continue monitoring student absences and will take swift action against any further instances of fraud.
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