Following five years of academic dedication, a graduate from the University of Camagüey was handed a diploma with an extra letter in his name, even though the institution had previously verified his identification card to prevent such errors.
This incident was brought to light on Facebook by journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, who shared the account of the graduate's mother under the hashtag #TanteandoCuba.
The mother explained that two months before the graduation ceremony, the university requested her son's ID card to ensure his name and surname were correctly printed on the diploma. Despite this precaution, the document was issued with an additional "a" on the day it was awarded.
In August, during enrollment, the family approached the General Secretariat of the University of Camagüey to demand a new diploma. A staff member named "Cane" was responsible for authorizing the re-issuance of the document.
Disputed Diploma Correction
Instead of ordering a reprint, the official suggested that an artist could remove the surplus letter and add an ornamental element to conceal the modification.
The family declined this solution, maintaining that after five years of study, they would not accept a diploma altered in such a manner.
After insisting on speaking with the Rector, the official took the diploma and corrected the name with a pen. According to the account, he promised that a new document would be produced and that the family would be notified.
Delayed Resolution and University Response
As of the time of the complaint, no one from the university had contacted them. On Friday, the mother returned to the institution to seek answers but was unable to find the rector or any staff to address the issue. The explanation given was that several employees were on vacation.
The family now fears that the creation of the new diploma will be delayed until the next graduation, several months after the young man completed his studies.
Tan Estrada encapsulated the situation with a question highlighting the family's frustration: "How can a university request an ID to prevent errors on a diploma and still issue it with an extra letter?"
Recurring Issues with Official Documents in Cuba
Shoddy work in the issuance of official documents in Cuba is not uncommon. The University of Ciego de Ávila distributed diplomas with registration errors to graduates of the 2024-2025 class, blaming a "technical system failure."
In December 2025, the University of Medical Sciences of Matanzas acknowledged issues with ink preservation on some diplomas and ordered an urgent reprint.
Similarly, in October 2025, the Cuban young woman Ana Sofía Benítez Silvente, known as Ana Bensi, gained attention when she publicized a viral video about a mistake in her name on her diploma, which hindered her ability to work as a Senior Technician in Prosthetic Dentistry. After posting the video, she received threats and was summoned by university authorities.
The recurring pattern in all these incidents is evident: a lack of quality control in the creation of official academic documents, delays in rectifying mistakes, and pressure on those affected not to publicize their plight.
Common Issues with Cuban University Diplomas
What led to the error in the University of Camagüey diploma?
Despite a prior ID verification meant to prevent such mistakes, the diploma was issued with an extra letter in the graduate's name.
How did the University of Camagüey respond to the diploma error?
The university initially suggested a cosmetic fix but eventually promised to reissue the diploma correctly, though the family has yet to be contacted for resolution.
Are diploma errors common in Cuban universities?
Yes, errors in official documents are frequent, with multiple universities experiencing similar issues due to poor quality control and technical failures.