A Narrative of Institutional Decay in Mali's Education System A Qualitative Case Study of Systemic Corruption and Administrative Deficiencies

This research provides a qualitative, single-site case study analysis of the systemic fault lines within Mali's educational system. By synthesizing political science, institutional economics, and sociological perspectives, the paper reveals how administrative nepotism, systemic corruption, and external geopolitical pressures converge to undermine pedagogical integrity. The study argues that the crisis in Malian education is a product of institutional fragility and the normalization of decay, suggesting a shift toward Network Improvement Communities (NICs) for sustainable reform. This research was conducted between 2018 and 2023 as part of a longitudinal study on Malian institutional frameworks.