VDU investigation finds irregularities in Jukna’s training programs

A Vytauto Didžiojo University (VDU) internal probe has uncovered poor oversight, sloppy record-keeping, and cases of participants admitting they never attended training sessions linked to former Agriculture Academy Chancellor Vigilijus Jukna, LRT.lt reports.

The university’s governing council launched the investigation after prosecutors opened a pre-trial inquiry into Jukna’s publicly funded farmer training programs. VDU Rector Ineta Dabašinskienė confirmed in a letter to the university community that the review found “inadequate project supervision” and “disorganized documentation,” with participant lists raising the most concern.

Random checks revealed some listed individuals had not attended all sessions, while others confirmed they never participated at all. Project managers also failed to physically oversee in-person training. The university is now overhauling its project management rules, strengthening controls, and preparing disciplinary action against responsible staff.

Jukna, a former advisor to Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, was dismissed from his VDU post before the probe concluded. His organization, “Mokslinės paslaugos,” currently administers two major EU-funded projects spanning 51 municipalities, with plans to issue 3,135 certificates and hold 207 training sessions—though earlier media reports found empty classrooms during scheduled courses.

Lithuania’s Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) raided Jukna’s offices in May after allegations surfaced that his NGO and VDU’s Agriculture Academy may have fraudulently obtained nearly €400,000 in EU funds by misrepresenting training activities.