Colombia's culture minister acknowledges she never received master's degree; university corrects its record
Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana said it had published incorrect information about Paola Holguín's qualifications. She says she completed the coursework and thesis but did not graduate.
Colombia's Culture Minister Paola Holguín has acknowledged that she does not hold a master's degree in Political Studies that had been attributed to her, after her former university corrected its published information.
The Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) said it had published incorrect details about her academic background in July 2026, accepted responsibility for the error and expressed regret. According to the university, Holguín completed and passed all coursework and her thesis for the master's programme but never formally graduated. The university also corrected a listing of an undergraduate programme in social communication and journalism.
How it came to light
The question was raised by Senator Jennifer Pedraza, who requested information from UPB and made the response public, asking how the credentials of senior officials are checked before appointment. Holguín, who took office in July, wrote on X that she had not graduated despite passing all courses and completing her thesis, and described the debate as a media spectacle.
No formal investigation by authorities had been reported at the time of publication.
Why it matters
The case is a reminder that completing coursework is not the same as being awarded a degree, and that institutional websites and official biographies can contain errors. For any appointment, only a degree verified directly with the awarding institution's records should be relied upon.
This News Desk report summarises information published by the sources above, written in our own words. Persons named in criminal matters are accused, not convicted, unless a court has ruled otherwise. To report an error, use our contact page.
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