How would you feel knowing the person sitting next to you bought their degree?
That’s the incendiary question our Senior Research Fellow Professor Patricia Kingori asks in new documentary “The Shadow Scholars”. And we are delighted to announce that, for Black History Month 2025, Somerville College will welcome Professor Kingori and award-winning filmmaker Eloise King to a special screening plus Q&A of their powerful new film. Members of the university are warmly invited to join us, and follow as Professor Kingori delves into the hidden, multi-billion dollar “fake essay” industry in which an estimated 40,000 highly educated Kenyans make ends meet writing academic papers for students around the world.
“The Shadow Scholars” was filmed partly on location at Somerville College in 2022 in support of Professor Kingori’s research. We are delighted to welcome this event back to Somerville after the film’s release and widespread critical acclaim.
The screening will take place in the Margaret Thatcher Centre, Somerville College, from 6pm on Thursday 23rd October, finishing at 9pm. Refreshments will be served following the Q&A.