UNAM Removes General Secretary Amidst Online Exam Scandal

Patricia Dávila Aranda has been removed from her position as general secretary of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) following a controversy over an online entrance exam. Sources within UNAM confirmed that the university's rectorate requested her resignation after the dispute over the examination for the 2026-2027 academic cycle.

Dávila, a biologist, was appointed to the influential role by Rector Leonardo Lomelí Vanegas in November 2023. Her appointment marked a historic moment as she became the first woman to serve as UNAM's general secretary. At the time of her appointment, Lomelí Vanegas expressed confidence in her leadership, stating, "I am sure that this Secretariat is in very good hands and that we will be able to work together for our university in the coming years – interesting, challenging, and full of opportunities."

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I am sure that this Secretariat is in very good hands and that we will be able to work together for our university in these years that are coming, interesting, challenging and full of opportunities.

The controversy erupted over the online selection exam, with reports indicating that individuals were charging up to 26,000 Mexican pesos to impersonate applicants. This situation prompted UNAM to announce a shift to a face-to-face control exam for the 2026-2027 applicants, with Rector Lomelí stating, "It is not with cheating that professionals are formed."

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It is not with cheating that professionals are formed.