Afghanistan Suspends Licenses of Nine Private Universities Over Academic Irregularities

Afghanistan's Ministry of Higher Education, under the Taliban administration, has suspended or revoked the operating licenses of nine private universities. The crackdown follows inspections that revealed alleged "ghost students," administrative failings, and breaches of academic rules, according to Khaama Press.

Seven institutions have been suspended for one year. These include Barlas University in Jawzjan, Rah-e Saadat and Turkistan universities in Balkh, Azhar and Barna universities in Badakhshan, Rashad University in Faryab, and Payam University in Kabul. Two other universities, Kohanduz University in Kunduz and Khana-e Danish University in Takhar, had their licenses permanently canceled.

Inspections conducted during the spring semester uncovered issues such as institutions maintaining non-existent "ghost students," poor attendance records, and allowing students who should have been barred from exams to sit for them. The ministry also cited a lack of required administrative and academic structures, inadequate laboratory equipment for medical students, failure to adhere to the ministry-approved curriculum, and insufficient practical training opportunities in hospitals for medical students.

In some instances, ministry officials found that although classes were scheduled, the classrooms were empty. The report from Khaama Press indicates that these actions are part of the Taliban administration's efforts to enforce academic standards and regulations within the country's higher education sector.