Nazaha probes case of professor who is also studying abroad

RIYADH: The National Anti-Corruption Commission (Nazaha) is investigating a corruption-related case against a citizen and the body responsible for his foreign scholarship. In addition, a local university is accused of appointing the associate professor who received a scholarship to study abroad but chose to pursue his study while still receiving his salary as a professor.
According to a report, Nazaha was informed by a concerned citizen that the professor received salary and other allowances amounting to SR430,000 while pursuing overseas study.
There was a violation of the procedure concerning his appointment that prompted the anti-graft body to look into the matter with the university and the board for scholarship.
The report said that it was not clear to the commission whether the appointment was made in accordance with the terms and conditions of Saudi universities, which state that an appointment should be based on the council of the appointment recommendation and the College Board.
“It shows that despite his appointment, he never appeared in class to teach and his appointment was only for form as he was on scholarship before the appointment to Britain to complete a doctoral degree,” Nazaha said.
He received approval from the commission placement mission and not through the university. Up to now, he is still receiving the scholarship grant.
The source continued: “Based on his appointment, he received a total amount of SR430,000 as salary and allowances as lecturer despite his absence while receiving scholarship allowance for study abroad.”
The source pointed out that the same person’s request was initially rejected because of the low average he received while studying for his master’s degree. Nazaha wondered about the reasons for changing the position in less than a month without explaining the reason for the earlier rejection.