Abstract

This review critically examines the complex ethical challenges facing higher education and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and proactive strategies to address them. Ethical issues now occupy a central position in higher education, threatening foundational principles of academic integrity. Plagiarism, contract cheating, and admissions scandals jeopardize academic credibility and undermine the ethical development of students. The rise of online education has further complicated these challenges, introducing new ethical dilemmas, such as intrusive surveillance through online proctoring and concerns regarding privacy and academic honesty. Equally significant are faculty-related ethical issues, which play a pivotal role in upholding ethical standards across teaching, research, and institutional governance. Conflicts of interest, research misconduct, and favouritism in appointments and recognition reflect ongoing challenges that impact institutional trust and fairness. Moreover, inequities in access, diversity, and inclusivity reveal broader ethical gaps in higher education systems, calling for deliberate, systemic reforms. This paper critically examines contemporary practices while reflecting on the broader ethical implications for higher education institutions. It emphasizes the need for proactive policies and holistic approaches to mitigate ethical violations and promote an environment rooted in transparency, accountability, and integrity. Addressing these challenges is paramount for sustaining the credibility of academic institutions and fostering ethical development among future generations.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.