A professor at the University of the Ryukyus has allegedly received ¥3 million in donations as research support funds from a corporate executive. The executive reportedly asked the professor to recommend at least three people for part-time lecturer positions at the national university between last year and this year. The university is currently investigating the matter and consulting with police, suspecting that the donations may have been made in exchange for recommendations. The professor has offered his resignation.
Part-time lecturers at the University of Ryukyus are selected through public recruitment or internal recommendations, with final decisions made by the university president and others after reviewing candidates at faculty meetings. As national university professors are considered quasi-public servants, recommending individuals for positions is part of their duties. If it is determined that this professor received a donation in exchange for recommendation requests, he may be in violation of bribery laws.
According to sources, a Tokyo-based consulting firm executive introduced the professor to three guest lecturers last autumn in connection with open lectures held by his lab. In return, this executive donated ¥3 million to support the professor’s research. One female representative from an incorporated association and two male company owners were among these guest lecturers.
The female representative paid several million yen to become a part-time lecturer after being told by the executive that she needed to do so and pass a review by faculty board members. She paid approximately ¥3.4 million in consulting fees and received a donation of ¥1.5 million from the executive.
The investigation began when it was suspected that this executive was running a business where he lobbied professors for recommendations while donating money for their research purposes. The University of Ryukyus denies any involvement but will continue its investigation based on evidence and testimony.
The professor admitted being introduced to several guest speakers by this executive but denied using any money personally or guaranteeing part-time lecturer positions.
