During an audit of the Ministry of Science and Education’s activities on informatization of the education system, the Accounts Chamber discovered overpayments for internet fees at 39 educational institutions connected to ADSL, where 13 months were paid instead of 12.
The Chamber’s audit covered computers, printers, and other similar equipment worth 8.5 million manats purchased by the Ministry’s Department of Informatization of the Education System (DIES).
According to the report, serious deficiencies in security, documentation, and transparency were identified in 30 DIES projects. Specifically, 10 information systems created between 2021 and 2024 were not registered in the “Unified Registry of State Information Resources, Systems, and Electronic Services.”
Among these is the “Admission of Children to Preschool Educational Institutions” information system. Despite handling children’s personal data, it has not passed through the unified state registry for data security purposes.
During the period covered by the audit, the most frequently used procurement method was “single-source procurement.” The names and brands of goods were not specified in the contracts. As a result, significant discrepancies arose between the prices stipulated in the contracts and actual market values.
Specifically, 4 contracts totaling 4.6 million manats were concluded with the same supplier. However, prior to this — in 2023 — two projects worth 1.2 million manats contracted with the same supplier, namely “Development of the Azerbaijani Language Methodology Program” and “Development of the Natural Sciences Teaching Methodology Program,” were only partially completed. Nevertheless, payment was made for work that was not delivered.
The Accounts Chamber notes that various equipment worth 283,500 manats purchased between 2021 and 2024 was acquired at prices higher than those found in open information sources. According to the audit, overspending of 37,000 manats resulted from the overpriced purchase of equipment.