New threads on the “studies” of Holowna at Collegium Humanum

Collegium Humanum, a capital college with a controversial reputation, has been at the centre of media and public opinion for a long time. Known for issuing diplomas to people who frequently did not meet basic academic requirements, the university remains the subject of investigations. The fresh facts that emerged in the case point to the university's relation with the leader of the Polish 2050 movement Szymon Hołownia and his close associate, Michał Kobosko.

Euro MP Michał Kobosko announces legal steps

MEP Michał Kobosko, associated with the Polish 2050 group, took a position on accusations concerning his relation with Collegium Humanum. During the interview on TVN24, the politician admitted:

"I have met with lawyers and are presently examining the legal steps that will be taken by me and will be taken," he announced, adding that concrete decisions will be taken soon.

At the same time Kobosko powerfully cut off from reports concerning the exchange of messages with the Rector of Collegium Humanum. “I have nothing to fear... At the moment, I'm not going to comment on the circumstantial things that happened there due to the fact that I don't know where they came from. (...) If individual actually makes these materials available, it breaks the law in Poland”, he stressed.

New facts revealed by Peter Krysiak

Famous writer Piotr Krysiak, citing his informant from the Central Anticorruption Office (CBA), revealed details that shed fresh light on the case. According to his information, the first gathering of Michał Kobosko with the Rector of Collegium Humanum took place in April 2021, although both Kobosko and Szymon Holovnia were to enroll in the university as early as 2020.

Krysiak claims that during that gathering there was a discussion about writing master's thesis. According to reports from the journalist, the application papers of both politicians reached Collegium Humanum in July 2021 through various channels, including via email and SMS, as confirmed by Krysiak's informant.

Exchange of messages between Kobosko and Rector Paul C.

Krysiak published fragments of messages to be exchanged by Michał Kobosko and erstwhile Rector of Collegium Humanum, Paul C.:

• Kobosko: Thanks for gathering me in Karpacz. Another question: Mrs. Iwona gave us tuition, me and a colleague. I'm not hiding, it's for us at this phase of the launch we're building, rather advanced amounts. Are you flexible, or should I tell my friend it's the finale?
• Paul C.: Mike, it's a comic amount for a average price at all, but Tomek (Misiak – ed.) said it would take care of you.
• Kobosko: Tomek didn't tell me that – if he said it, I wouldn't bother you ;).

According to the journalist, the mystery colleague mentioned on the news is Simon Holovnia.

Rector Paul C. leaves detention

Paul C., erstwhile Rector of Collegium Humanum, left temporary detention in November 2024 after bail was paid. Arrested in February of the same year, he is suspected of directing an organized crime group that was active in selling false diplomas. The prosecution has agreed to repeal the preventive measurement subject to the payment of a advanced bail.

The case of Collegium Humanum mainly concerns the issue of graduation certificates to persons who have not taken classes or passed exams. False diplomas included prestigious MBA titles, PhDs and habilitations. In the background there are many accusations of corruption and cooperation with highly placed people in the planet of politics and business.

What's next with the Collegium Humanum?

Controversy around Collegium Humanum raises increasing concerns about the state of Polish higher education and its credibility internationally. This issue needs to be clarified in depth, not only in the context of possible abuses of universities, but besides the function that public individuals could play.

Michał Kobosko and Szymon Hołownia can shortly be forced to present their version of events. Meanwhile, the Polish public is waiting for the results of investigations and the answer to the question whether systemic irregularities and cooperation at advanced levels of power are truly behind the scandal.

Is Collegium Humanum just the tip of the iceberg? We will know the answer in the coming months erstwhile law enforcement will conclude their investigations and politicians will face the consequences. This issue will surely stay in the memory of Poles for a long time, as an example of the request for reforms in the Polish strategy of higher education and public responsibility.