[Humorous Post] The great academic contortionist: parchment at all costs!

In Senegal, even diplomas can have multiple lives. On Friday, the Ministry of Higher Education published an initial list of 34 private institutions not recognized by the state. Thirty-four! And the ministry is asking students and parents to verify this before enrolling. In short: before paying, ask if the school officially exists. A precaution that should almost have been part of the school curriculum.

The most intriguing aspect lies elsewhere. Among these institutions, some have awarded doctorates, organized defenses, donned gowns, and convened juries. And not just any juries: real professors, established academics, gathered around the table. Enough to give the diploma such an official air that one might be tempted to ask for its birth certificate.

And there you have it, Senegal in all its magic. CVs capable of listing titles like Olympic medals, but sometimes speeches in French that make the dictionary want to resign.

Of course, fluency in French doesn't measure intelligence, merit, or professional competence. But when a prestigious degree is encountered with an approximate expression, the average citizen naturally becomes curious. Very curious.

The real question, therefore, is not simply: "Where did you obtain your degree?" It is also: "Who recognized it, who validated it, and according to what rules?"

Because in a country where academic resourcefulness is key, we absolutely must not allow the academic gown to one day become more credible than the diploma.

Senegal is truly a magical country. Here, even doubt can be a diploma.