KUWAIT CITY, Nov 24: Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaie on Monday referred a case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office after an internal investigation confirmed suspected corruption and serious violations that caused damage to facilities across several educational institutions.

In a statement, the Ministry said the referral followed findings by the Inspection and Audit Office of the Minister’s Office, which uncovered irregularities affecting both infrastructure and essential educational services.

Al-Tabtabaie said the move reflects the Ministry’s commitment to its national responsibility and aligns with directives from the political leadership to combat corruption and reinforce integrity and transparency across government bodies. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect educational facilities and safeguard public funds.

The Minister stressed that all legal measures will be taken against any party found to have harmed public interests or tampered with educational property, underscoring that the law will be applied “to everyone without exception or leniency.”

He added that the Ministry has adopted a comprehensive reform plan centered on continuous contract audits, performance evaluation of implementing companies, and procedural reviews aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing school readiness.

Al-Tabtabaie affirmed that the Ministry “will not hesitate” to act to ensure the safety and operational readiness of educational facilities, highlighting the importance of coordination between Ministry sectors and oversight bodies as a key pillar in protecting public funds and ensuring a safe learning environment.

According to the Ministry’s legal department, investigations uncovered invoice manipulation, failure to enforce contractual penalties, and delays in carrying out required work, resulting in risks to the safety and operational integrity of some educational facilities.