The Senegalese parliamentary commission of inquiry into the "One Student, One Computer" program commenced its hearings on Monday, October 5, 2026. The first person to be auditioned was Mame Penda Ba, former director of financing for higher education institutions. This inquiry aims to investigate alleged irregularities in the program's contract awarding and execution. The commission will gather information on the program's governance, financing, and control.
The commission's president, El Hadji Guèye, stated that the inquiry's objective is to establish facts and chronologies, identify responsible parties, and gather elements to reconstitute the program's conditions. He emphasized that the commission's approach is impartial and aims to distinguish between documented facts, testimonies, and unverified information. The commission will examine the program's passation and execution, focusing on the 2025-2026 edition.
According to El Hadji Guèye, the commission will investigate the program's governance, financing, and control, including the stock of computers, financial flows, and potential guarantee funds. The inquiry will also examine previous operations, particularly the 2023 edition, and the structures that benefited from the program. The commission's goal is to establish a reliable chronology, map the actors involved, and identify precise pieces of information to confront during subsequent hearings.
Mame Penda Ba's audition is expected to last 90 minutes, including a five-minute introductory statement, 70 minutes of questioning from commission members, and 15 minutes for responses, document transmission, and closing remarks. El Hadji Guèye stressed that individuals summoned before the commission are required to respond sincerely and precisely to questions posed.
The "One Student, One Computer" program has been under scrutiny due to alleged irregularities in its implementation. The commission's inquiry aims to shed light on these issues and identify potential wrongdoing. The program's impact on Senegal's education sector is significant, and the commission's findings are expected to have far-reaching consequences.
El Hadji Guèye, also the president of the National Assembly's Education, Youth, Sports, and Leisure Commission, emphasized that the inquiry is not about assuming responsibilities but about establishing facts. He stated that the commission will work diligently to gather information and provide a comprehensive report on the program's implementation.
The commission's inquiry is a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in Senegal's education sector. The findings of this inquiry will likely have significant implications for the program's future and the country's education policy. The commission's work will help to restore public trust and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently.
Key points
- The Senegalese parliamentary commission of inquiry has started its hearings into the "One Student, One Computer" program.
- The commission aims to investigate alleged irregularities in the program's contract awarding and execution.
- The inquiry will examine the program's governance, financing, and control, including the stock of computers and financial flows.
