University sacks Lecturer with bogus qualifications

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 15 July 2019, 6:00PM

The National University of Samoa has terminated the services of Kenyan national, Embiruka Osborne Nyandiva, who was recruited as a Senior Lecturer for the University's School of Medicine.

The decision was confirmed by the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Loau Solamalemalo Sio.

“He should have never been hired in the first place," Loau said. 

“It was clear that due diligence was neglected in this matter. So we have made the necessary changes to assure this nonsense does not repeat."

In May, Osborne was suspended by the N.U.S. pending an investigation and report from the Samoa Qualifications Authority (S.Q.A.) on his credentials. 

That same month, Osborne left Samoa. 

According to the S.Q.A. report, the degrees he submitted “are all not authentic."

This was the conclusion of an investigation in response to a request from the Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) and the National University of Samoa (N.U.S.).  


The S.Q.A. investigated his Master of Medicine (Anatomic and Clinical Pathology) awarded by the University of Nairobi, a Doctor of Philosophy (Molecular Pathology and Oncology) from the University of Stellenboch, and a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Mount Kenya University. 

The Authority's report found that they are “not authentic qualification(s)”. 

The Minister reiterated his disappointment on this matter in an interview with the Samoa Observer. 

Loau blamed the former Vice Chancellor, Fui Asofou So’o, for not doing his job thoroughly. 

“This man was hired by the V.C. under his authority to hire and fire staff at the N.U.S. and there will be changes to that aspect of the authoritative lane allocated for the V.C. of the University.” 

This came to light when the Director General for the Health Ministry Leausa questioned the report submitted by Osborne who did “laboratory work” for the hospital.  

“And the reports submitted appeared questionable and this prompted the query with the N.U.S. which was later extended to the Samoa Qualification Authority,” said Leausa. 

It was not possible to get a comment Fui at press time.


By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 15 July 2019, 6:00PM

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