The Tunisian government has implemented a blockchain-based diploma verification system to tackle the issue of counterfeit educational documents.
Significance for Tunisian Public Sector Integrity
The Tunisian government has introduced a blockchain-based diploma verification system in its higher education institutions to detect and prevent the use of fake educational certificates for securing jobs.
As per reports, Tunisia has started using the Unified Arab System for Diploma Authenticity Verification (UASDAV) since Feb. 28. The UASDAV securely stores each diploma as a unique and tamper-proof block, ensuring the authenticity of educational documents.
An investigation conducted by the Tunisian Association for the Fight Against Corruption revealed that between 2011 and 2023, approximately 121,000 to 200,000 government employees obtained jobs using forged documents. This widespread fraud has raised concerns about the integrity and efficiency of Tunisia’s public sector.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Tunisia has initiated a digital diploma project to safeguard the authenticity of diplomas and enhance digital skills. This project aims to modernize the education sector through a collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).
By embracing blockchain technology for maintaining the credibility of its education system, Tunisia joins the ranks of Ethiopia and Mauritius in harnessing this innovative technology. Ethiopia is utilizing blockchain for verifying student and teacher credentials, while Mauritius is using it for validating government-issued certificates. In Nigeria, universities are also exploring the use of blockchain for verifying diplomas.
These efforts highlight the increasing recognition of blockchain’s potential in establishing secure and transparent systems for credential verification.
Aside from combating fraud, Tunisia’s digital diploma initiative aims to facilitate academic and professional mobility by ensuring instant recognition of diplomas globally, thereby enhancing the reputation and competitiveness of Tunisian universities on a global scale.
