Montenegro Plans Database to Combat Fraudulent Diplomas

Montenegro’s Minister of Education, Science, and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, announced plans to establish a comprehensive database of all recognized diplomas. This initiative aims to enhance record-keeping and address the issue of fraudulent degrees that threaten the integrity of the educational system.

In an interview with TVCG, Jakšić-Stojanović stated that the Ministry is intensifying efforts to report cases where there is reasonable suspicion of diploma fraud. She emphasized the importance of multisectoral collaboration to resolve these issues. “The prosecution does not have an obligation to inform us of the outcomes, but we see from media reports that there are already prison sentences related to the distribution of false educational documents,” she explained.

To address these concerns, the Ministry has revised legal regulations to establish a stronger foundation for tackling diploma fraud more effectively. “I hope we can send a message that these actions undermine the educational system,” she added.

University of Montenegro (UCG) has also taken steps in this direction by launching a register of diplomas issued over the past five decades. Jakšić-Stojanović praised this initiative, stating, “My department plans to create a database of all nostrified diplomas, and the nostrification process will be conducted electronically, allowing for much better record-keeping. Until now, we have not had any database concerning nostrified diplomas, and we hope this database will be significant.”

The Minister pointed out that the recognition of diplomas from certain higher education institutions in the region has been suspended due to concerns over quality. “There are fields, particularly medicine and education, where the presence of fraudulent diplomas cannot be tolerated,” she asserted.

In addition to addressing diploma fraud, Jakšić-Stojanović discussed the current educational calendar. She noted that classes resumed as scheduled and emphasized that extending the winter break was not advisable. “The school year has started, and we assessed that it would not be beneficial to prolong the winter break,” she stated.

She believes that students have had ample time to enjoy the snow over the past week and indicated that schools could organize additional activities in cooperation with parents and school administrations. Jakšić-Stojanović concluded by reaffirming the importance of maintaining the educational calendar and ensuring that students continue to receive quality education.

Montenegro’s commitment to enhancing its educational framework reflects a broader effort to maintain the integrity of its academic institutions and protect the future of its students.