The Jordanian Lower House of Representatives approved on Sunday a bill amending the law that regulates Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions.

According to the amendments, the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commision for Higher Education Institutions (HAEC) is tasked to establish a national framework to evaluate the degrees and certifications issued by institutions of higher education and vocational training providers.

Furthermore, in order to prevent conflict of interest arising from becoming a board member of the commission, an article was added that states that board members cannot own, be members of or derive direct or indirect gains from higher education institutions for a period of three years after the end date of their membership in the commission.

The article stipulates that board members need to disclose any conflict of interest before assuming their position and immediately inform the commission of any benefits that may arise throughout their term of office.

Even though the benefit referred to in the article does not apply to members’ home universities, it applies to first and second degree relatives who may be involved in higher education institutions.