Manama: Private universities that fail to comply with a new set of rules governing their operations will have their management and finances switched over to the education ministry, sources said on Tuesday.
"The Higher Education Council will be fully in charge of the daily performance and financial operations of the university until it complies with the rules and conditions set by the education ministry," the sources told Gulf News ahead of a crucial meeting of the council to address the status of private universities.
The decision is part of an aggressive drive to ensure paramount standards in a sector that has been badly shaken by malpractices. The implication of eight Bahrainis in a scandal about fake US diplomas has brought the sector into sharp public focus.
Heavy criticism
"The ministry is determined to ensure full adherence by the private universities to the law introduced following heavy criticism about some of their operations and the merit and relevance of their diplomas."
Education Minister Majid Al Nuaimi on September 6, said his ministry would "offer assistance to all colleges to reinforce their academic role and ensure their stability and viability", but warned that there would be "a zero tolerance policy towards undermining or eroding of public and students' interests."
Other punitive measures proposed by the council include the suspension or dismissal of deans or department heads of institutions, the non-recognition of diplomas awarded by colleges and limiting the number of undergraduates an institution can enrol.
"The bylaws will also stipulate a freeze on specific courses for one academic year and even the revocation of the college licence," the sources said.
Bahrain, home to 16 private universities and colleges, has encouraged the establishment of higher education institutions under a plan to become the education hub of the region.
Thousands of Gulf citizens, mainly from neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, have opted to pursue their education in Bahrain where they can avail of a wide spectrum of specialties.
By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief