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BAHRAIN has introduced new procedures for validation of educational certificates issued by private universities in the country and abroad.
The move aims to clamp down on fake certifications and speed up recruitment process in the public and private sectors, said schools affairs director-general Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma.
The Education Ministry has tasked two specialised private firms to scrutinise marks and credentials of graduates as part of the procedure.
Those passing out from Bahrain University and Bahrain Polytechnic are exempted from these checks.
According to the system, which will come into immediate effect, private universities in Bahrain will verify their own certificates before making them available through an electronic link to the Higher Education Council. The council will scrutinise the documents and pass them on to the specialised firms, which will further validate the marks and other credentials before giving the stamp of approval.
Dr Juma revealed the details at a Press conference held at the Isa Cultural Centre yesterday.
He added that a rule to match certificates issued by foreign universities with local standards has been scrapped and the Higher Education Council would now just scrutinise them for ‘core credentials’.
“Two firms have so far been handed the task by the Education Ministry to look into graduation certificates locally and abroad, that are referred by the Higher Education Council,” Dr Juma said.
However, he added, that more firms could be enlisted for the service later.
Dr Juma and other officials at the Press conference
It now takes months for certificates to be scrutinised and validated before graduates are considered as candidates for a job.
“The new eased procedures will help youngsters get jobs faster in the private and government sectors as they would not have to wait for approval under the previous lengthy format,” said Dr Juma.
“Companies in the private sector can also avail the service for a minimal fee, if they want to check certificates provided to them by candidates or employees who seek to go higher in the administrative ladder.
“As for Masters and PhD certificates, the Education Ministry will allow libraries to exhibit thesis and research papers – through conditions to be announced later – until the firms confirm the validity of their credentials.”
Meanwhile, Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions board chairman Mariam Al Jamaan said final approvals of certificates in specialised professions will have to be given by the authorities concerned in each fields.
“All certificates issued by private universities in Bahrain will be verified by the specialised firms in direct co-ordination with the Higher Education Council,” Ms Al Jamaan said.
“However, those graduating from universities or colleges abroad will have to electronically attach documents to prove that the course is recognised and approved in the host country. The university will have to provide the necessary proof, which will be further scrutinised by the specalised firms in Bahrain.
“In case of any suspicion, the certificates will be referred to the National Committee for Academic Accredition for investigation following which a final ruling will be issued.”
Civil Service Commission (CSB) employment director Ali Al Hammadi said certificates in specialised disciplines, including medical and engineering, will also be checked by the relevant authority in the field.
“This will help fasten employment procedures and recruit candidates in suitable vacancies,” he said.
National Health Regulatory Authority health regulation head Dr Zubaida Al Shaikh said an aptitude test would be mandatory for certain specialised professions to further ensure candidates’ skills and capabilities.
“The new system is precise and much easier than the previous one. It will also remove doubts over the authenticity of certificates and credentials,” said Dr Al Shaikh.
“There is a checklist for every step and time and effort wouldn’t get lost in administrative procedures.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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