KUWAIT: Dr Nader Al-Jallal, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, announced Wednesday that 13 cases of individuals who allegedly forged university degrees had been referred to the Public Prosecution. These individuals are accused of falsely claiming higher academic qualifications, which allowed them to apply for and compete for government jobs.
Minister Al-Jallal stressed the importance of tackling this issue to maintain the credibility of academic credentials issued by international institutions, especially as they play a crucial role in Kuwait’s development. "Combating fake academic certificates is a crucial part of the ministry’s responsibilities toward the country and its citizens,” he said.
Minister Al-Jallal added that the ministry will not tolerate anyone involved in actions that tarnish the reputation of Kuwait’s academic sector and will spare no effort in building a strong educational system. He emphasized that the ministry would continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure justice is served, and no one involved in the fraud would go unpunished.
A multilateral committee
This move builds on earlier measures, particularly a significant directive issued in June 2024 by Dr Adel Al-Adwani, the former Minister of Education and Higher Education. The directive established a dedicated committee tasked with reviewing post-secondary academic certificates for public sector employees who graduated from foreign universities after 2000. The committee’s formation aims to ensure that academic qualifications from overseas meet the ministry’s standards, effectively preventing the recognition of fake degrees.
The committee, which is headed by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, also includes representatives from the Civil Service Bureau, the Public Authority for Manpower, and the Fatwa and Legislation Department. These agencies have been assigned to verify the authenticity of qualifications, for both Kuwaiti and expat employees, and ensure transparency in government hiring practices. Government agencies were previously instructed to submit all relevant documents to the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to coordinate the verification process. The committee is expected to submit monthly progress reports, with a final report due at the end of a six-month term.
The fake degree crackdown is part of Kuwait’s broader commitment to anti-corruption reforms, especially concerning government employment. The government said these measures aim to strengthen transparency, ensuring that only qualified individuals occupy positions of responsibility in the public sector. "We are determined to continue fostering a culture of academic integrity and applying the law to anyone attempting to undermine the credibility of higher education in Kuwait,” said Minister Al-Jallal.