Press statement by Deputy Prime Minister Niko Peleshi:

Today, the Albanian government took two very important decisions which put an end to the shameful flourishing of financial pyramids in education and to the trade of fake diplomas in Albania, in order to pave the way for an education of quality in our country with real universities that confer real diplomas.

These decisions have been taken in the aftermath of a verification process conducted with integrity by the Ministry of Education and Sports on the criteria of legitimacy in some public and non public universities. The findings of this verification process are based exclusively on the Albanian legislation in force.

In today’s meeting, the Council of Ministers approved the decision to revoke the licenses to the following private institutions of higher education:

1. SHLUP “Vitrina” (Public Higher University School “Vitrina”)

2. SHLUJ “Universiteti Kristal” (Non Public Higher University School “Kristal University”)

3. SHLUJ “Justiniani I” (Non Public Higher University School “Justiniani I”)

4. Akademia e Ndërtimit, Tiranë (Tirana Academy of Construction)

5. SHLP “Universiteti Elite” (Private Higher School “Elite University”)

6. IPAL Shkolla e Lartë “Illyria” (Private Institution of Higher Education, Higher School “Illyria”)

7. Akademia e Studimeve të Aplikuara, Durrës (Durrës Academy of Applied Studies)

8. SHLP “Universiteti Planetar i Tiranës” (Private Higher School “Tirana Planetary University”)

9. Akademia Pedagogjike, Tiranë (Pedagogical Academy of Tirana)

10. IALP Shkolla e Lartë “Nëna Mbretëreshë Geraldinë” (Private Institute of Higher Education – Higher School “Nëna Mbretëreshë Geraldinë)

11. IPAL “Kolegji profesional i sporteve, Fier” (Public Institution of Higher Education, “Fier professional college of sports”)

12. Kolegj profesional “Argent”, Shkodër (Professional college “Argent” of Shkodër)

13. IALP “Shkolla e Lartë Amerikane e Tiranës” (Public Institution of Higher Education, “American Higher School of Tirana”)

14. Shkolla e Lartë Private e Edukimit (Private Higher School of Education)

15. Kolegjet Profesionale, private “Medicom” (Professional colleges, private “Medicom”)

16. IP “Shkolla e Lartë Ndërkombëtare e Tiranës” (Private Institution “International Higher School of Tirana”)

17. SHPAL “Gjon Buzuku”, Shkodër (Public School of Higher Education “Gjon Buzuku”, Shkodër)

18. SHLUJ “Medikadent” (Non public Higher University School “Medikadent”)

 

In addition, the Council of Ministers approved in today’s meeting the decision to suspend the activity of and to take concrete measures against the following private institutions of Higher Education:

 

1. Universiteti “Aldent” (“Aldent” University)

2. SHLP “Hëna e plotë” (Bedër) (Private Higher School “Hëna e plotë” (Bedër)

3. Kolegji Profesional privat “New Generation” (Private Professional College “New Generation”)

4. SHLP “Logos” (Private Higher School “Logos”)

5. SHLUP “Instituti Kanadez i Teknologjisë”  (Private University Higher School “Canadian Institute of Technology”)

6. Kolegji Profesional “Ivoclar Vivadent & Partners” (Professional College “Ivoclar Vivadent & Partners”)

7. SHLAP “Pavarësia” Vlorë (Higher School of Public Education “Pavarësia” Vlorë)

8. Akademia Profesionale  e Biznesit (Professional Academy of Business)

9. IPAL “ISSAT” (Private Institution of Higher Education “ISSAT”)

10. ShLUJ “Sevasti dhe Parashqevi Qiriazi” (Non public University Higher School “Sevasti dhe Parashqevi Qiriazi”)

11. SHLUJ “Justicia” (Non public University Higher School “Justicia”)

12. SHLUP “Wisdom University” (Private University Higher School “Wisdom University”)

13. Universiteti privat “Albanian University” (Private University “Albanian University”)

 

This statement should have been read by the Minister of Education, Ms. Nikolla, but the fact that it is being read by the Deputy Prime Ministers should be seen as the sign of the firm determination and will of the Albanian government and of the Prime Minister, Mr. Edi Rama, to thoroughly conduct the recently started reform in education and the transforming revolution in Higher Education, which will be lead by Minister Nikolla.

This new page, which is being opened in the name of security and legitimacy of Higher Education Institutions, will be thoroughly written with full transparency, national responsibility as well as legal and professional determination.

Law will act with zero tolerance and legitimacy bodies must work to bring to justice all public tricksters who through this pyramid scheme stole for many years the money of our families.

Students of the universities that will be closed will be given by the Albanian government, through the Ministry of Education and Sport, a chance to continue their studies in other institutions of Higher Education.

Thank you.