Former Agriculture Minister Mongana Flomo Debunks Academic Fraud Allegation Against Him
The former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Mongana Flomo has refuted claims that his multiple doctoral degrees are fake.
Dr. Flomo, over the years, has claimed to obtain PhD in Chemical Engineering from the Atlantic International University, a PhD from the Sustainable Development and Diplomacy Euclid University and another PhD in Education/Educational Technology from the Selinus University of Science and Literature.
Dr. Flomo is the President and founder of the CEPRES International University in Liberia and is reportedly serving as a consultant at the National Commission on Higher Education.
However, a group, under the banner “Campaigners for Academic Crimes Court” (CACC) led by Lead Activist Martin Kollie claimed that the three doctoral degrees the former Agriculture Minister is claiming to have achieved from these universities are not real.
“Our research has proven that the three doctoral degrees claimed by former Minister Mongana Flomo; as reflected in his CV are fake and should not be taken seriously’’ CACC said through its head, Martin Kollie.
It added: “Full research uncovered that the three universities from which Mr. Flomo is claiming to have acquired his PhDs are not accredited to grant PhD anywhere in the world.’’
The self-proclaimed academic credentials audit group challenged Mr. Flomo to make public his peer-reviewed doctoral dissertation in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy.
In response, Dr. Flomo refused to provide information contrary to the CACC’s claims, but stated that he would not dignify the group. He said the group’s head, Martin Kollie lacks integrity.
Meanwhile, Dr. Flomo is among several renowned Liberians, including politicians, experts and academicians that have been accused by CACC of academic fraud.
Some of those accused include the Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Samora P. Z. Wolokolie, the Chief Medical Officer of Liberia, Dr. Francis Kateh and the Dean of the Science College at the University of Liberia, Dr. James McClain.
Like Dr. Flomo, the accused have denied the allegations, terming them as smear campaign by the group intended to gain relevance at their expense.
By: William Howard
