A few days ago, I published an article titled ‘University and Applied Sciences Professors and the Judiciary.’ After its release, I realized that I had forgotten to revise the article, as I had removed the sections discussing the university and judiciary. Later, it also became clear that the article had struck a sensitive chord with some readers. Upon further reflection, it’s evident that the problems plaguing the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) extend far beyond issues of poor management, instability, and the institution’s unwieldy size, which hinders efficient administration. Questions surrounding the authenticity of many faculty and administrative members’ academic credentials compound these challenges. However, the underlying issues appear to be far more profound. A former Minister of Education and Higher Education once described PAAET as a ‘dumping ground’ for students and teachers who could not secure better opportunities elsewhere due to their qualifications. Many of its students also found themselves with no alternative options after failing to meet the requirements of other institutions.
The authority’s history has been marked by administrative violations since its inception. Its leadership, wielding broad authority, has disproportionately affected the careers of serious academics, who, though few, struggle under these conditions. Moreover, the criteria for student enrollment have been lax, allowing graduates of the two-year ‘Applied’ institutes to qualify for four-year study scholarships. Among the more peculiar violations is the establishment of impractical departments such as the makeup department, which operated for years despite minimal citizen enrollment. These programs primarily catered to residents before eventually being shut down, alongside other departments like cooking and home economics.
There have also been allegations of professors exploiting the system by claiming additional courses and teaching commitments during the summer for extra compensation, despite not fulfilling these duties. This lack of accountability is prevalent across the institution, with neither faculty members nor the administration being held responsible for such misconduct. As a result, there is a growing call for a comprehensive review of the hiring process -- both administrative and academic -- and an investigation into the validity of faculty qualifications, including university and doctoral degrees.
Additionally, scholarship programs, which have been marred by violations over the years, require immediate scrutiny. The same applies to research, studies, theses and publications attributed to the institution, many of which lack credibility. Accountability and effective oversight have been nearly absent, with parties often shielding one another due to tribal, racial, or sectarian loyalties. Given the gravity of these accusations, His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education must urgently investigate these claims. The harm caused by PAAET has far exceeded its societal and moral benefits. Considering the hundreds of millions of dinars allocated to it without tangible returns, this institution demands an overhaul to restore its integrity and purpose.
By Ahmed alsarraf
