The Removal of Etelvina Medianero is Demanded by the Unachi Student Federation

The Federation of Students of the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriquí (UNACHI) demanded the immediate removal of Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas. The student body is calling for her separation from the position as authorities investigate alleged administrative irregularities and academic fraud involving the homologation of degrees.  The student federation’s demands are tied to several major controversies and crises surrounding her administration:

• Degree Scandal: The Procuraduría General de la Nación is actively investigating the homologation of academic titles for over 110 professors and administrative staff, which were issued by American Andragogy University and Atlantic International University.

• Financial Crisis: The University is facing a severe financial deficit. Reports indicate an assigned budget of $72 million against an executed expense of $91 million. This has resulted in a $27.6 million total debt, including a critical $12.4 million debt to the Caja de Seguro Social (CSS).

• Operational Paralysis: The budget constraints and lack of funds have caused severe operational issues, including the lack of basic campus supplies such as gas, fuel, and food for the student body.

• Broader Investigations: The Rector is also facing scrutiny from the Contraloría, the Ministerio Público, and ANTAI (Autoridad Nacional de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información) regarding allegations of nepotism and past financial management.

In response to the “serious institutional crisis” facing the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi), the student federation of that institution requested the removal of Rector Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas from her position while investigations related to alleged administrative irregularities proceed.  FEUNACHI also requested that the necessary actions be taken to ensure the continuity of classes and the completion of the academic year, noting that this should be the main priority for the student body.  While Medianero de Bonagas has previously survived calls for her resignation and currently remains in her position, the combination of student outrage, faculty demands (from the Association of Professors – APUNACHI), and ongoing national investigations have significantly escalated the pressure on her administration.

Unachi Deducted Money from Officials’ Salaries, but did not Pay the Banks

The case has sparked outrage and fear among teachers and administrators, who now face reports of delinquency and possible damage to their credit history.  The crisis hitting the Autonomous University of Chiriquí (Unachi) reached a new point of tension after it was revealed that officials of the institution — including teachers and administrative staff — had money deducted from their salaries for the payment of loans and other bank commitments, but the funds never reached the financial entities.  The discontent became evident this Tuesday, May 19, when dozens of workers held a demonstration inside the university campus to demand explanations and an immediate solution from the authorities.  Students and professors are calling for the resignation of the rector of Unachi, Etelvina Medianero de Bonagas.