Universities set to tackle wasta

Jordan

Published: 2017-07-12 15:39

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 06:52


Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research plansto educate students about wasta. (File photo)
Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research plansto educate students about wasta. (File photo)

Wasta have been ingrained in Jordan for decades - a social practise to describe using one’s connections or influence to get things done.

However, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is planning to tackle this form of nepotism by adding a university course on the principles of integrity and codes of conduct. This will include the rejection of wasta and corruption, drawing attention to its risks on political, economic and social development.

The course also aims to educate students on the role of the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission.

This came after the Ministry of Higher Education and Research signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission on Wednesday, vowing to promote the principles of integrity, transparency and good governance.

The MoU states that the Ministry will assist the Commission by encouraging Jordanian universities by holding lectures, seminars, workshops, activities and events to promote values and ideas that promote integrity and discourage favouritism among students and faculty members.

The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Adel Tweissi, stressed the need to, “strengthen the values of integrity and transparency and accept accountability in the minds of our students, because they will be the decision makers in the Jordanian state in the near future.

According to the 2014 Family Status Report, a vast majority of Jordanian families — 83 per cent — agree that wasta is a form of corruption, although 65 per cent deem it as necessary to get a job.

“Wasta has become part of Jordanian society’s culture, but it remains an encroachment on others’ right to receive the same services from the state. The sense of injustice is one of the main reasons for instability that threatens societies,” said Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Musa Maaytah.