The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Imran Al-Qeib issued a decision to cancel the graduate colleges of Al-Marqab University, Azzaytuna University, and Al-Asmarya University.
The decision stipulates that students will be transferred to other universities, in response to the recommendation of the General Committee for Graduate Studies.
Al-Qeib stressed the need to implement the decision from the date of its issuance, without explaining the reason for cancelling the aforementioned colleges.
In August, Al-Qeib said in an online interview with Al-Fanar Media that “we have inherited a heavy legacy of problems and obstacles we are trying hard to overcome. This is to ensure educational reform and fulfil the hopes and aspirations of Libyans.” A lack of financial resources, however, constitutes the main challenge for the minister in carrying out his aspired reforms.
Al-Qeib is working against a backdrop of turbulent political and financial conditions that have beset Libya since the outbreak of the uprising that toppled Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. This instability has been exacerbated by political divisions and infighting over the upcoming elections, a deteriorating economy despite the country’s oil wealth, and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last month, he signed an executive program agreement with his Jordanian counterpart, Wajih Ouis. The program aims to strengthen the existing Jordanian-Libyan educational cooperation agreement in various scientific fields. It includes student exchanges in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs, according to the Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education.
Under the program, an ad hoc joint committee is to be established to regulate cooperation agreements and set their priorities. The program will also “organise joint scientific and cultural events within the framework of completed projects, develop a plan to build workers’ capacity in the accreditation and quality assurance fields, examine mechanisms to recognise universities, certificates, and degrees bilaterally, and benefit from the remote education expertise,” the statement pointed out.