KABUL: The Taliban administration has increased scrutiny of several private universities in Afghanistan, raising concerns among education providers and students over the future of higher education institutions.
Owners of some private universities said Taliban officials have carried out inspections and examined the ownership structures and shares of educational institutions. The inspections have increased concerns about possible closures and their potential impact on thousands of students.
Local sources said a Taliban delegation recently visited several private universities, including Taj University in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, and asked about their ownership arrangements and shareholdings.
Taj University is among the institutions that sources say has come under increased scrutiny. Established in 2010, the university offers programmes in fields including economics, medicine and law.
The increased pressure on private higher education institutions comes amid wider restrictions and changes imposed by the Taliban administration on Afghanistan’s education sector since returning to power in 2021.
Private universities continue to operate under a range of regulations introduced by the authorities, while restrictions on women and girls’ access to education have significantly affected the country’s higher education system.
University owners and students remain concerned that further inspections or administrative measures could affect the operation of some institutions. However, there has been no official announcement confirming plans to close Taj University or the other institutions mentioned by local sources.
Further developments will depend on decisions by the Taliban authorities regarding the ownership and operation of private higher education institutions.