Kabul, 11 December 2024 – The Ministry of Higher Education, under the Current regime administration in Afghanistan, has revoked the operating licenses of 11 private higher education institutions and referred their management to judicial authorities.

The ministry announced the decision in a statement released today, explaining that the licenses were revoked due to various violations, including non-compliance with academic, educational, and administrative standards. Other cited reasons included the existence of “ghost” professors and students, lack of qualified leadership and administrative staff, absence of attendance records, irregular examination systems, and other infractions.

The decision was reportedly made during the ministry’s Leadership Council meeting.

Which institutions’ licenses were revoked?

According to the statement, the institutions whose licenses were revoked include:

• Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi Institute in Ghazni
• Abu Nasr Institute in Farah
• Hanzala and Hikmat Institutes in Badghis
• Fajristan Institute in Takhar
• Numer Institute in Kunduz
• Royan and Qudus Institutes in Baghlan
• Sadat Institute in Balkh
• Maulana Jalaluddin Balkhi Institute in Samangan
• Alghyas Institute in Herat

The ministry further stated that the leadership and administrators of these institutions have been referred to judicial authorities for further legal proceedings.

This move marks a significant step in the TB administration’s efforts to impose stricter regulations on the higher education sector, raising concerns about the future of private education in Afghanistan amidst an already challenging academic environment.

Current situation of higher education in Afghanistan

Currently, girls in Afghanistan are barred from attending universities and pursuing higher education, a restriction that has significantly impacted their academic and professional aspirations. This prohibition, imposed by the Taliban regime, has drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations and human rights advocates.

Adding to the challenges faced by Afghan girls, last week, the Ministry of Public Health issued an order to close health education institutions for girls. This decision prevents them from acquiring training in essential fields like medicine, nursing, and public health. Such measures further restrict women’s participation in vital sectors and limit their ability to contribute to society, particularly in areas like healthcare, where their involvement is crucial for addressing the needs of women and children.

These actions have deepened concerns about the systemic erosion of women’s rights and access to education in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime. The closure of educational pathways for girls not only impacts their personal development but also hinders the country’s overall progress and exacerbates its already fragile socio-economic conditions.

Not only girls are affected by the change of government, but also boys have seen a decline in higher education institutions. Many have migrated to other countries, many do not feel safe to go to university, and many are hopeless and do not believe in the quality of education in universities, considering that many qualified professors have left the university.

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