Tunisia launched the Unified Arab System for Diploma Authenticity Verification on February 28, marking a major step in combating academic fraud.

This blockchain-powered initiative, developed in collaboration with the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), ensures that diplomas issued by Tunisian institutions are tamper-proof and instantly verifiable.

The move follows a 2023 investigation revealing that up to 200,000 civil servants were allegedly hired using fake degrees between 2011 and 2021.

Read also: AI and blockchain to drive Africa’s financial inclusion, experts say at Accra Synergy Summit

Blockchain technology for secure and instant diploma verification

Blockchain technology revolutionises diploma verification by securely storing academic credentials in an immutable ledger. Each diploma is recorded as a unique block, preventing forgery, unauthorised modifications, and fraudulent claims. Employers, institutions, and stakeholders can instantly verify the authenticity of a degree, eliminating lengthy administrative processes. The system aligns Tunisia with global pioneers like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Nigerian universities experimenting with blockchain-based credentials.

Beyond fraud prevention, the initiative simplifies academic and professional mobility by enabling automatic recognition of Tunisian diplomas internationally. Students and job seekers benefit from a streamlined process that enhances credibility and trust in Tunisian education.

Tunisia’s digital transformation in higher education with blockchain

The blockchain-based verification system is a key component of Tunisia’s digital transformation strategy led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Before its launch in the country, Tunisia had participated in a pilot of the program alongside Algeria, Egypt, and Libya last year. Following a successful pilot in three universities, the nationwide rollout reinforces the government’s commitment to modernising the education sector, developing digital skills, and enhancing global competitiveness.

Tunisia joins a growing list of nations leveraging blockchain for secure credentialing. Mauritius, for instance, uses an Ethereum-based system, eVerify, to validate government-issued certificates. As blockchain adoption in education is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2030, Tunisia’s proactive approach positions it as a leader in secure and transparent diploma management.

Read also: Bybit launches bounty program after $1.4b crypto hack

Challenges and limitations of blockchain-based diploma verification

While blockchain provides a secure and tamper-proof way to verify academic credentials, it is not without its limitations. The system ensures that once a diploma is recorded, it cannot be altered, but it does not verify the legitimacy of a diploma before it is uploaded. If fraudulent credentials are entered into the system, they remain secure but still deceptive. Additionally, implementation costs and the need for widespread adoption among employers and institutions pose challenges to the system’s effectiveness.

By integrating blockchain into higher education, Tunisia is setting a new benchmark for academic integrity. This innovation not only safeguards students and employers from credential fraud but also boosts Tunisia’s standing in the global education landscape.