Adamson University denies SCMP report of ‘instant PhDs’

Adamson University on Tuesday denied a report in the South China Morning Post that the school gave “instant PhDs” to teachers from China.

In a statement, Adamson said that its PhD offerings strictly adhere to the policies, guidelines, and standards set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), specifically the minimum six terms of residency.

“Adamson University strongly denounces the malicious claims perpetrated by certain sectors in Hunan Province, China on the PhD degree obtained by Shaoyang College faculty members from Adamson University,” it said.

On July 25, the South China Morning Post reported that a university head in China was fired for supposedly sending 22 teachers to Adamson University to earn “instant” PhDs in 28 months, then rehired them to boost the Chinese university’s ranking.

“The questionable practices and improprieties allegedly committed by the President of Shaoyang College do not reflect inadequacies in the credibility and legitimacy of Adamson University's education programs nor do they signify Adamson University’s involvement in any such malpractice or misconduct,” Adamson said.

“Statements with malicious intent of impeaching the integrity and reputation of the University's Graduate School Program are unacceptable. This we cannot countenance,” it added.

Adamson said it is reviewing options in seeking remedies “in law or in equity to protect the good name and reputation of the school.”

In a separate statement, CHED said that it will evaluate SCMP's report. 

"Adamson University has been granted an autonomous status by CHED. Although, Adamson is free from regular monitoring of CHED as an autonomous institution, CHED may conduct investigation activities in case of reports of a general erosion of quality and/or gross violation of laws, rules and regulations that adversely affect the good standing of the PHEI as a reputable education institution. This report of an instant PhD is very alarming and prejudicial to the international reputation of our Philippine HEIs. CHED will not condone any violation of existing laws and regulations, autonomous or not. We have read the statement issued by Adamson University on this matter and constituted a team that will evaluate this report," it said. — BM, GMA News