Libya’s education minister, Moussa al-Megarief, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his role in a textbook shortage from 2021. He was fined 1,000 dinars and stripped of civil rights during his sentence. The shortage led to financial burdens on parents and prompted official investigations into his contract management practices.

The Libyan education minister, Moussa al-Megarief, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison due to a textbook scandal dating back to 2021. The Tripoli court of appeal imposed a fine of 1,000 dinars (approximately $200) and revoked his civil rights for the duration of his sentence and an additional year, as reported by the attorney-general’s office on Sunday.

Megarief faced accusations of violating the principle of equality and favoritism in contract management concerning the printing of textbooks. The controversy originated at the beginning of the 2021 school year, when a significant shortage of textbooks compelled parents to purchase photocopies that were intended to be supplied free of charge by public schools. Consequently, the investigation into Megarief’s management of the printing contracts and the cause of this shortage was initiated.

Subsequent to the allegations, Megarief was released from custody due to insufficient evidence and continued his role as education minister. He attributed the textbook shortage to efforts to unify the school curriculum across Libya’s three regions, indicating that this process delayed payments to suppliers, which led to the crisis.

In summary, Moussa al-Megarief, Libya’s education minister, has been sentenced to prison and fined due to a textbook shortage that financial strains imposed on families. The court’s decision underscores serious allegations of favoritism and improper management of educational resources. Despite his release prior to the verdict, this situation highlights critical issues within Libya’s educational administrative framework.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk