Iraq bans civil servants from enrolling in evening university programs

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has banned public sector employees from enrolling in evening associate and bachelor's degree programs while remaining in service. The ban applies to all civil servants and public sector workers, whether funding their studies themselves or through official scholarships. The ministry said the practice, which had become widespread at domestic and foreign private universities over the years, disrupted working hours in government institutions and led staff to leave their posts before the end of the official workday. Officials also noted that some of those enrolled had continued serving in their roles without holding a legally recognized university diploma. The restriction covers senior officials including members of parliament, ministers, deputy ministers, directors general and other high-ranking special-grade administrators. The ministry added that the programs had imposed an unnecessary financial burden on the state. The decision follows complaints in recent years over pressure to obtain academic credentials and early departures from work. The ministry said it is working on a new arrangement to accommodate employees' educational needs, without providing further details.