Chen Wenshen, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) committee in the Communication University of China, was criticized for using office cars exceeding the standards his rank allowed and also using vehicles belonging to inferior departments. [File photo/people.com.cn]

Top officials from the Communication University of China have been reprimanded for personal extravagance and attempts to cover up problems in the university's financial mismanagement.

The Ministry of Education said in a statement that those involved include the secretary of the Communist Party of China committee at the university, its principal and its vice-principal.

The top three officials were criticized for using office cars exceeding the standards their ranks, having offices beyond official standards, and using university funds to hold banquets in public venues.

According to the ministry, their behavior had led to chaos in financial management and expenditures far exceeding income.

The principal and vice-principal have been sacked, and the secretary of the CPC committee at the university was disciplined.