NWU Spokesperson, Louis Jacobs, explains to OFM News the five academics have been subjected to further investigations after a technical report by a plagiarism expert indicated there were networks of possible academic collaboration among those groups of researchers.

Jacobs says the follow-up investigation has been concluded and the matter will be referred to a team of experts for consideration.

This week NWU gave feedback on the institution’s three-phase investigation into allegations of misrepresentation and plagiarism levelled against a total of 21 current and former NWU academics. Jacobs says ten of the current academics were absolved of the allegations, while evidence of misconduct and plagiarism were found against eight current and three former employees.

The fact that we have gone to such lengths to finalise this investigation, will give you a very good idea of how seriously the university takes plagiarism and misconduct” says Jacobs. The spokesperson says the university is being transparent in order to emphasise its stance on the allegations.

OFM News