The Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) has called for disciplinary action against 38 teachers who were caught cheating during government recruitment examinations conducted in various districts across Rwanda.
The examinations, which were held between June 1 and June 9, 2026, were organized for teaching positions and other school leadership roles in the districts of Burera District, Gakenke District, Karongi District, Kayonza District, Kirehe District, Muhanga District, Musanze District, Ngoma District, Ngororero District, Nyabihu District, Nyagatare District, Nyamasheke District, Nyanza District, Rubavu District, Rulindo District, Rutsiro District and Rwamagana District.
In a statement issued on June 22, 2026, REB Director General Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana informed district authorities that several candidates, who are already employed as teachers in public schools, had been found guilty of cheating during the examinations.
“Based on the report from the teaching and school leadership recruitment examinations, some candidates who are already serving as teachers have been sanctioned for cheating during the examinations we conducted,” the statement reads.
Dr. Mbarushimana further requested district authorities to apply disciplinary measures against the teachers involved in accordance with the laws governing public servants.
REB also directed districts to submit reports detailing the disciplinary actions taken no later than July 10, 2026.
How the Cheating Scheme Worked
Recently, Leon Mugenzi explained that some candidates had developed sophisticated methods of cheating. According to him, candidates would share their examination passwords with other individuals, who would then sit the exams on their behalf. In some cases, the practice had reportedly evolved into a business.
Mugenzi noted that the Ministry’s examination technology prevents individuals from taking the exam remotely from completely different locations. However, investigators discovered that those assisting candidates were often positioned close to the examination rooms, making it difficult to detect the fraud.
“You would find someone sitting in front of a computer without actually taking the exam, while the system showed that the exam was being completed elsewhere. Our investigations revealed that the people taking the exams on behalf of candidates were usually nearby, making the scheme difficult to identify,” he said.
What Does Rwandan Law Say?
Under Rwandan regulations, any public servant or candidate seeking employment in the public service who is caught cheating or using illegal methods during a recruitment examination is immediately disqualified, and all results obtained are nullified.
Offenders may also be barred from sitting for public service recruitment examinations for a period ranging from one to three years.
For individuals who are already government employees and are taking examinations for promotion or transfer, cheating is considered a serious breach of integrity and professional ethics. Such misconduct is classified as a first-degree disciplinary offense, which can result in severe penalties, including dismissal from public service.
In certain circumstances, examination cheating may also amount to a criminal offense under Rwandan law, particularly where forged documents, false identification, or impersonation are involved. Individuals found guilty of such acts may face criminal prosecution in addition to administrative sanctions.