Fake Degree Scandal Now Involves Colombia’s Culture Minister

Colombia's Culture Minister Paola Holguin has become entangled in a controversy surrounding her academic credentials. The Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) has confirmed that Holguin never earned a master's degree in Political Studies, despite being presented as holding one during her tenure as minister. According to the university, Holguin completed and passed all the required courses and her thesis, but crucially, she never officially graduated.

This discrepancy came to light after Senator Jennifer Pedraza requested verification of Holguin's academic background and questioned why she was listed as having a master's degree without possessing the diploma. UPB subsequently acknowledged the error, corrected a previous publication, and expressed regret for the confusion. Holguin herself admitted to not having earned the degree, stating that while she completed all course work and passed her thesis, there is no graduation record certifying the diploma.

She defended her academic record and performance as head of the ministry, describing the controversy as a "media spectacle." The case has sparked broader discussions about the verification and presentation of academic qualifications among senior government officials, raising questions about the transparency and integrity of such processes.