Dear Editor,
For the past eighteen (18) months, a research organization, The Academic Research Foundation, has conducted in-depth research on persons living in the Caribbean who legitimately achieved their Ph.Ds. from reputable universities/colleges and those who illicitly purchased their fake Ph.Ds. from unknown and bogus institutions.
Information from the research group reveals that Guyana leads the Caribbean with the most fake Ph.Ds. followed by Trinidad and Tobago. It is estimated that approximately 87 percent of persons with fake Ph.Ds. are from Guyana and 69 percent from Trinidad and Tobago and from a particular ethnic group and many of them are senior administrators in government and in the private sector. The other 13 percent with fake Ph.Ds. from Guyana and 31 percent from Trinidad are from other ethnic backgrounds.
The research found that the vast majority of fake Ph.Ds. originate from numerous countries with India, Pakistan and Russia leading the way and are the main culprits, followed by Yugoslavia, South Africa, Nigeria, Mexico, the United States and England. While the cost for fake Ph.Ds. vary from country to country; however, India has the lowest cost. In India, one can purchase a Bachelor or a Master of Arts or Science Degree for US$10.000 to US$15.000, and a Ph.D. for between US$20.000 to US$25.000.
The research highlighted the fact that the majority of these “so-called” Universities/Colleges do not have permanent addresses and those with addresses are found to be private homes, business places, parks, and hotels, among other locations. It is regrettable and sad that these underground and or “fly-by-night” institutions are involved in cheating and degrading education. And it is very reprehensible and highly unprofessional that accomplished adult individuals, mostly men have opted to pay for a university or College degree instead of studying for it.
The survey also proffered that most of those who purchased faked Ph.Ds. are prominent and successful businessmen and women, some are senior bureaucrats, others are private sector officials whose primary objective is to bypass the time and effort of traditional education. Buying a fake degree is much cheaper than paying the high costs of university tuition. This is being done to satisfy strict job requirements, secure promotions and higher pay grades and to deceive employers who rely on credentials rather than doing due diligence on their employees’ educational backgrounds.
Furthermore, they want the title without doing the coursework, studying or taking tests, or being in the classroom.
Several Psychologists have asserted that buyers of fake Ph.Ds. want the perceived image and prestige of holding such degree among their peers, family or society. In other words, they wanted to be recognized as qualified and outstanding citizens. In today’s society, the widespread buying of university and college degrees reflects a mix of economic pressures, technological advancement, cultural incentives and family demands. It is systemic rather than the result of isolated cases.
Yours truly,
Dr. Asquith Rose
