Revitalizing Blockchain technology potentials for smooth academic records management and verification in low-income countries

  • 01 Sep 2021
  • Recently published Research - Business

Researchers

Ibrahim Alnafrah, Sulaiman Mouselli

Published in

International Journal of Educational Development, Volume 85 (September), Article 102460, available online July 2021.


Abstract

Higher education systems in low-income countries are usually fragile and sensitive to the surrounding political and economic environment. This environment poses various problems for students, graduates, and universities with regard to issuance and verification of academic records management. The process of verification and accreditation of certificates is long and costly for both students and universities. This study endeavors to address these problems by introducing an innovative solution based on blockchain technology. We propose establishing a national hybrid blockchain-based platform that brings together all possible stakeholders in the field of higher education, including students, universities, government agencies, policymakers, and companies from the business sector. This study evaluates the costs and benefits from establishing this platform and investigates the possible commercialization of its contracts. Furthermore, we test the feasibility of this platform in two of the most instable low-income countries: Syria and Sudan. We find that this platform is feasible and can serve as a marketplace for all stakeholders in the higher education system and would increase the internationalization of higher education. The establishment of this platform will ensure inclusive and equitable education and promotes lifelong learning opportunities for students from low-income countries and thus meets the fourth goal of Sustainable Development.

Keywords: Blockchain technology, Higher education system, Low-income countries, Syria Conflict, Digitization, Hybrid blockchain.

Link to Abstract

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijedudev.2021.102460