Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce, and Handicrafts (UTICA) Speaks Out on Private Engineering Schools
The Tunisian Union of Industry, Commerce, and Handicrafts (UTICA) has taken a stance on the issue of private engineering schools. In a statement published on July 30, the employers' organization asserts that the recognition of the national engineering diploma is the exclusive responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This position comes after the Tunisian Order of Engineers published lists of private establishments whose graduates are eligible for registration with the Order.
UTICA's Concerns
UTICA believes that this initiative may create confusion among students, families, and employers, at a time when Tunisia is facing a continuous brain drain. According to UTICA's figures, nearly 46,000 engineers have left the country over the past decade, with approximately 6,000 new departures recorded each year.
The Real Challenge
The employers' organization believes that the real challenge today is to strengthen the attractiveness of the engineering profession, improve the employability of young graduates, and enhance national skills, rather than creating obstacles to accessing the profession.
Legal Perspective
From a legal standpoint, UTICA reminds that only the Ministry of Higher Education is authorized to approve higher education institutions, validate their programs, and recognize the diplomas they award. The organization also notes that the texts governing the Order of Engineers do not require specific accreditation of training programs, but only that the diploma be recognized by the State. UTICA questions the criteria used to publish the lists of establishments selected by the Order and demands greater transparency on the legal basis of this approach, the evaluation methods used, and the resulting legal consequences.
International Accreditations
UTICA points out that several private schools concerned already have international accreditations, such as CTI, ABET, and ASIIN, which are considered among the most demanding references for evaluating engineering training programs. The organization wonders about the added value of the new procedures put in place.
Transparency and Good Governance
UTICA also requests explanations on the legal basis for a fee of 10,000 dinars allegedly required from certain establishments for the examination and evaluation of their files, as well as on the services covered by this amount, in the name of transparency and good governance.
The Importance of Private Engineering Schools
UTICA reminds of the significant role private engineering schools play in the national ecosystem. According to its data, these schools train nearly 6,500 engineers each year and have a professional integration rate of over 75% within six months of graduation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UTICA calls on students, future baccalaureate holders, and their families to refer only to the official decisions of the Ministry of Higher Education regarding diploma recognition. The organization also invites the Order of Engineers to publish the legal basis, criteria, and methodology of its procedures to lift any ambiguity.
