Decree No. (96) of 2012 on adopting the organizational structure and powers of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the organization of its administrative unit

Cabinet Decree No. (96) of 2012

on adopting the organisational structure and competencies
of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

and organising its administrative unit

The Cabinet,

Upon review of:

• The Constitutional Declaration;
• The Law of the Financial System of the State, and the budget, accounts, and stores regulations and amendments thereto;
• Law No. (12) of 2010 AD on issuing the Labour Relations Law and the implementing regulations thereof;
• Law No. (18) of 2010 AD on education;
• National Transitional Council Decree No. (174) of 2011 AD on determining the structure of the transitional government;
• National Transitional Council Decree No. (184) of 2011 AD on approving the transitional government;
• Cabinet Decree No. (1) of 2012 AD on specifying the competencies of deputy and assistant ministers;
• Cabinet Decree No. (94) of 2012 AD on dissolving the National Committee for Universities;
• Cabinet Decree No. (95) of 2012 AD on establishing the Supreme Council for Higher Education and Academic Research;
• General People’s Committee (formerly) Decree No. (654) of 2007 AD on establishing the National Authority for Scientific Research;
• General People’s Committee (formerly) Decree No. (501) of 2010 AD on issuing the regulations on higher education;
• General People’s Committee (formerly) Decree No. (519) of 2010 AD on establishing the National Authority for Technical and Vocational Education;
• The submission of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research;
• The decrees of the Cabinet in its fifth ordinary meeting of 2012 AD;

has decreed:

Article (1)

The organisational structure and competencies of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research shall be approved and its administrative unit organised as set out in this Decree.

Article (2)

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research shall establish the programs necessary to implement the policies, plans, and legislation issued on higher education and scientific research. In doing so, it may exercise the following competencies:

1. Establish developmental plans, policies, and strategies in higher education and scientific research, in a manner consistent with the State’s policy.
2. Issue decrees, publications and instructions on the work of the Ministry and the bodies affiliated thereto.
3. Keep abreast of developments in information technology and communication and their use in administrative and academic programs, in terms of content and teaching and assessment methods.
4. Introduce concepts of quality control and apply the relevant international standards at all various institutions of higher education and scientific research.
5. Perform information, archive, and electronic documentation support activities and develop databases and information systems related to the Ministry’s work.
6. Implement the bilateral and international treaties and agreements related to higher education and scientific research to which Libya is a party and participate in regional and international organisations and conferences in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
7. Propose laws and legislation related to higher education and scientific research in coordination with the related bodies.
8. Propose development plans and policies related to the Ministry’s work and monitor the implementation thereof.
9. Establish policies on funding higher education and scientific research as well as acceptance and support policies.
10. Establish the general plans for scholarship delegations.
11. Coordinate and monitor international cooperation in higher education and scientific research.
12. Propose structural development of higher education and scientific research institutions.
13. Focus on scientific research programs, and encourage researchers in order to develop scientific research goals and policies.
14. Participate in establishing policies on private higher education.
15. Accredit public and private higher educational institutions.
16. Encourage scientific research in accordance with society’s development needs.

Article (3)

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research shall have two deputy ministers, as follows:

1. Deputy Minister of Higher Education Affairs.
2. Deputy Minister of Scientific Research Affairs.

Each shall exercise the competencies prescribed to deputy ministers under the legislation in force. In particular, each may, according to their respective areas of competence, undertake the following:

I. The Deputy Minister of Higher Education Affairs shall hold competence to undertake the following:

1. Exercise his powers within the administrative units affiliated thereto. In doing such, he may issue the necessary decrees and instructions within the framework of the legislation in force.
2. Administrative and technical supervision of the administrative units, departments and bodies within his competence; the Deputy Minister may coordinate the activities of such units, departments, and bodies to ensure the good performance thereof, and organise their relations with the other Ministry components so as to achieve its goals in a highly efficient manner.
3. Study difficulties and problems with the work flow of the administrative units linked thereto, and work to address and resolve them.
4. Receive suggestions on improving the work of the administrative units linked thereto, and study and approve them.
5. Prepare periodic reports on the activities performed by the administrative units linked thereto and submit them to the minister.
6. Study the plans, programs, and rules submitted by the Department of University Affairs, the National Authority for Technical and Vocational Education and other bodies on matters governing their work, and approve such in accordance with the powers entrusted thereto.
7. Achieve the necessary level of coordination between the Ministry of Higher Education and Universities and other education-related units concerning issues common to higher education affairs.
8. Study the agendas and matters submitted in symposiums that the Ministry proposes holding or is participating in and make decisions on such in light of the Ministry’s policy and according to the powers entrusted or delegated thereto.
9. Propose general policies on sending students and employees of universities and higher institutes abroad for study and training in accordance with the rules established by the Supreme Council for Higher Education and Academic Research.
10. Represent the Ministry in local, regional and international conferences and symposiums held in the area of his competence, in coordination with the related bodies.
11. Issue procedures on recognizing foreign higher educational institutions and the equivalence of the diplomas issued thereby, in accordance with the rules and standards set out under a regulation issued for this purpose.
12. Supervise the preparation of the draft budget of higher educational institutions.

II. The Deputy Minister of Scientific Research Affairs shall hold competence to undertake the following:

1. Exercise his powers within the administrative units affiliated thereto. In doing such, he may issue the necessary decrees and instructions within the framework of the legislation in force.
2. Administrative supervision of the administrative units and bodies linked thereto and the extent of their application of the approved laws, regulations and instructions, and coordinate among them to ensure integration of their activities.
3. Supervise the preparation of the draft budget of the scientific research sector at the Ministry.
4. Collect training plans from all departments and offices and formulate them as one plan, have it approved by the competent bodies and monitor the implementation thereof.
5. Propose cooperation agreements in the field of scientific research between the Libyan government and the governments of Arab and foreign countries and regional and international organisations, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
6. Work to boost funding of scientific research and to develop scientific research bodies, propose the formation of multisectoral advisory teams to determine scientific research funding priorities.
7. Assist scientific research bodies in strengthening their ties with similar Arab and foreign bodies and deepen the partnership between them, including by proposing cooperation agreements.
8. Cooperate with scientific research centres and bodies to improve their performance in research and development projects.
9. Propose the rules and standards for the distribution of budgetary support for scientific research and review them periodically.
10. Assist and encourage scientific research bodies to increasingly grow into self-funded institutions.
11. Submit studies on the development of new scientific research centres and bodies.
12. Assist in the development of intellectual capital in scientific research institutions through research and development projects.
13. Establish rules to support the ethics of scientific research.
14. Prepare the annual report on scientific research and the annual report on the administrative financial position of the National Authority for Scientific Research.
15. Formulate the rules necessary to encourage Libyan researchers working abroad to work in Libya or provide their expertise in the appropriate methods.
16. Propose general policies on sending researchers and employees abroad.

Article (4)

The organisational structure of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research shall consist of the following organisational divisions:

1. Information Technology Department
2. Postgraduate Studies Department
3. University Affairs Department
4. Private Higher Education Department
5. Diploma Recognition and Equivalence Department
6. Planning and Development Department
7. Projects Department
8. Administrative and Financial Affairs Department
9. Training and Career Development Department
10. Delegations Department
11. Cultural Centres Department
12. Ministry Affairs Office
13. International Cooperation Office
14. Legal Affairs Office
15. Internal Audit Office
16. Monitoring and Inspection Office
17. Advisory Office
18. Deputy Minister Offices

Article (5)

The following bodies shall be affiliated to the Ministry of Education and Scientific Research:

1. National Authority for Scientific Research
2. National Authority for Technical and Vocational Education
3. Supreme Council for Higher Education and Academic Research
4. State universities
5. Centre for Quality Control and Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions
6. Higher Education Academy

Article (6)

The Information Technology Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Propose policies and plans on information technology linked to the Ministry’s work, and supervise the implementation thereof upon approval.
2. Participate in committees concerned with information technology within the Ministry and file periodic reports thereon to the minister.
3. Work to develop a comprehensive and integrated information system at the Ministry by providing information, statistics, and data related to higher education and scientific research and facilitate the flow of information for officials and those concerned with higher education, within the ministry and beyond.
4. Build and develop databases that contain everything related to the Ministry, boost the integration thereof and automatically link it to state and private educational institutions, cultural centres and sources of information in Libya, and link to local, regional, and international databases related to higher education and scientific research, in order to obtain information from its primary sources on an ongoing basis, and coordinate among these bodies.
5. Keep and manage the Ministry’s documents and files electronically within the electronic archiving system and facilitate circulation and reference thereto, inside and outside the Ministry. Develop and update the programs and applications related to the retention and retrieval of information for Ministry employees, especially that related to higher education and scientific research affairs, and supervise the removal of documents and files in accordance with the rules stipulated in this regard.
6. Study the development of systems, programs, databases, and internal and external communication networks and secure communication systems and networks to provide an integrated and advanced computer network at the Ministry, in coordination with the related bodies.
7. Directly supervise the Ministry’s website, communication line networks, and Internet services, work to operate them efficiently and improve and update them periodically, and provide local and global broad information centres to link the ministry with cultural centres in coordination with the related bodies with regard to exchanging information and increasing the number of service beneficiaries, and provide technical support in accordance with the plans in place for such.
8. Prepare feasibility studies and study the needs of the ministry and cultural centres as relates to information technology and the technical specifications necessary to provide such needs, and propose the budgets required for such.
9. Prepare the rules, procedures and standards on the purchase of computer equipment and items related to information security, and confirm compliance with and application thereof by the Ministry’s administrative units and sectors.
10. Link the Ministry’s administrative units to an advanced information network, provide technical computer support to all of the Ministry’s administrative units and sectors and resolve all problems faced thereby in this area.
11. Represent the Ministry in local, regional, Arab, and international conferences and symposiums held in the field of information technology.
12. Provide opinions, advice, and assistance to all of the Ministry’s administrative units and components on issues related to information activities and information technology.

Article (7)

The Postgraduate Studies Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative and technical supervision of the related administrative units at the Ministry, coordinate their activities and monitor their performance and development.
2. Propose or amend the general policy on postgraduate studies, coordinate such at all higher education institutions in Libya and monitor the implementation thereof upon approval.
3. Propose internal regulations in coordination with higher education institutions as relates to the organisation of postgraduate studies.
4. Propose the budget to ensure the success of postgraduate study programs in Libya, in coordination with the related bodies.
5. Propose, implement, and supervise the rules on acceptance to postgraduate studies.
6. Provide recommendations on the authorisation of new programs after studying such programs and coordinating between them and existing programs.
7. Provide recommendations on the approval of postgraduate study curricula and any amendments or substitutions made thereto or to the program.
8. Provide recommendations on the names of postgraduate diplomas in Arabic and English, based on the recommendation of universities.
9. Receive lists of candidates for postgraduate studies in Libya, confirm that the necessary requirements are met and undertake measures to issue decisions thereon.
10. Propose regulations on lecturers, and complete the procedures necessary to send them to study in Libya or abroad.
11. Participate in preparing plans and standards on sending annual delegations.
12. Establish controls for joint supervision programs for students studying in Libya.
13. Periodically assess postgraduate study programs at higher education institutions through specialized committees or bodies from Libya or abroad.
14. Review any matters referred thereto by the chairman of the Supreme Council for Higher Education and Academic Research or the deputy ministers.
15. Perform electronic authentication of statistical information significant to postgraduate students in Libya.

Article (8)

The University Affairs Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative and technical supervision of the related administrative units at the Ministry, coordinate their activities and monitor their performance and development.
2. Monitor the affairs of Libyan faculty members and lecturers at universities with regard to all matters relating to the controls on their appointment, transfer, secondment, discipline and resignation, in coordination with the related entities as provided under the legislation in force.
3. Propose draft contracts for non-Libyan faculty members, propose the amendment thereof as appropriate to society’s resources and the relevant university need, and monitor such in coordination with the competent bodies.
4. Prepare studies and reports related to faculty performance rates so as to enable them to keep pace with current scientific developments.
5. Establish programs to develop and train faculty members at universities and submit proposals on all related rules and standards.
6. Supervise faculty member sabbatical leaves at universities and submit proposals on all related rules and standards.
7. Prepare annual reports on universities’ needs for faculty from the various specialisations.
8. Monitor student affairs at universities and student conferences and receive, examine, and study their complaints.
9. Supervise student activities in coordination with universities and the related bodies, address the difficulties facing the implementation thereof, and prepare policies to improve them.
10. Study and work to resolve student problems at universities to ensure the provision of a suitable climate for academic achievement.
11. Contribute to proposing the general policy on delegations and scholarships, monitor the implementation thereof, and organise delegate affairs.
12. Approve the rules regulating the granting of honorary degrees.
13. Propose regulations on university fees, the payment thereof, and terms for exemption therefrom.
14. Prepare periodic reports on the Department’s work.

Article (9)

The Private Higher Education Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative and technical supervision of the related administrative units at the Ministry, coordinate their activities and monitor their performance and development.
2. Implement community policy and guidelines on private higher education to ensure best application thereof.
3. Propose study plans, academic curricula and training programs for private higher education institutions and submit them to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for approval.
4. Monitor the implementation of study plans, academic curricula and training programs adopted for private higher education institutions.
5. Present the exam results of private higher education institutions, submit them to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for approval and work to certify them.
6. Draft scientific reports on the efficiency of private higher education institutions.
7. Establish the conditions and rules required for granting licenses to engage in private higher education activities and propose the laws and regulations governing such.
8. Assess private higher education institutions and propose ways of improving them.
9. Monitor evaluation and assessment procedures at private higher education institutions.
10. Monitor the procedures on the accreditation of private higher education institutions and assess them in accordance with the decrees issued in this regard.
11. Prepare accreditation certificates for private higher education institutions and submit them for approval.
12. Prepare periodic reports on the Department’s work.

Article (10)

The Diploma Recognition and Equivalence Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Propose rules, standards and conditions on equivalence and propose the amendment and improvement thereof in light of the general policy on education and according to scientific developments and technology impacting the various educational institutions.
2. Propose procedures to recognize foreign higher education institutions and the equivalence of the diplomas issued thereby in accordance with the stipulated rules and standards.
3. Undertake the necessary measures in coordination with the Centre for Quality Control and Accreditation of Higher Education Institutions for the equivalence of foreign academic diplomas, based on the recommendation of the Equivalence Committee to be formed under a decree from the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and that shall include various specialisations, based on a submission from the Deputy Minister for Scientific Research Affairs.
4. Propose rules on the certification of national academic diplomas.
5. Propose the establishment of a standardised equivalence system binding on all educational institutions.
6. Propose rules on cooperation with Arab and foreign equivalence bodies in improving and updating the equivalence system applicable to diplomas and academic programs, and propose entering into joint agreements on mutual recognition.
7. Provide manuals and technical and training assistance related to equivalence, in coordination with the related bodies.
8. Prepare periodic reports on the Department’s work.

Article (11)

The Planning and Development Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative and technical supervision of the related administrative units at the Ministry, coordinate their activities and monitor their performance and development.
2. Supervise the preparation of plans related to planning within the framework of the Ministry’s general policy and goals, in coordination with the administrative units related thereto and the concerned administrative units at the Ministry, monitor the implementation thereof upon approval, and monitor and assess such plans on an ongoing basis.
3. Supervise the implementation of national plans prepared by the Ministry or by the Ministry and other bodies, in coordination with the related units at the Ministry.
4. Coordinate with the competent bodies in preparing the Ministry’s estimated budget, to ensure the annual plan is linked to the estimated budget.
5. Participate in the committees concerned with the Ministry’s planning activities and work, monitor standing and interim committees to ensure completion of their work by the specified time, and file periodic reports thereon to the Ministry.
6. Apply and monitor quality operations to streamline costs, achieve the best use of resources and meet the demands of the beneficiary bodies.
7. Standardise the plans proposed for the Ministry’s administrative units, communicate and coordinate with them and assist them in preparing their development plans and programs, reformulate such plans and produce the final form thereof, and take the necessary steps for their approval.
8. Supervise the Ministry’s plans approved within the State’s short- and long-term plans and monitor the circulation and implementation thereof at the various administrative units at the Ministry to work pursuant thereto.
9. Propose the general policies related to planning activities, and supervise the implementation thereof upon approval.
10. Represent the Ministry in local, regional, Arab and international conferences and symposiums held on planning and other related fields, in coordination with the related bodies.
11. Provide opinions, advice and assistance to all of the Ministry’s administrative units and sectors on issues related to planning activities and other related fields.
12. Coordinate with all Ministry elements and other bodies affiliated thereto to achieve the Ministry’s planning goals, identify anything that could hinder such and provide all means required to achieve this goal.
13. Propose a mechanism for activating bilateral and multilateral agreements, especially those relating to university education and postgraduate study, training and scientific research programs.
14. Prepare work flow reports on the Ministry’s plans, reports on annual statistical achievements and a follow-up report on the transitional budget, in coordination with the concerned units and sectors at the Ministry, in accordance with the form provided by the competent Ministries.

Article (12)

The Projects Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative and technical supervision of the related administrative units at the Ministry, coordinate their activities and monitor their performance and development.
2. Administrative and technical supervision of projects so as to ensure their completion by the set time, and study the difficulties and problems with regard to work flow and work to address and resolve them.
3. Receive, study and approve proposals on improving work on projects.
4. Coordinate with engineering consulting firms during the preparation of designs and provide them with the necessary information and requirements.
5. Develop and improve the skills of engineering and administrative cadres at the Ministry by registering them in specialised courses.
6. Contribute to scientific conferences by conducting studies and research in various specialisations.
7. Prepare and approve technical specifications for construction, maintenance and laboratory facilities projects at universities, technical colleges and higher institutes, and assess the suppliers and implementing bodies of such projects.
8. Monitor and implement construction, development and scientific installations contracts at universities, technical colleges and higher institutes, and confirm their conformance with local and global technical specifications.
9. Monitor implementation of the Ministry’s projects in coordination with the related bodies and confirm their conformance with local and global specifications.
10. Participate in the preparation of the plans, construction and development of the Ministry’s projects and facilities.
11. Monitor preparation of the technical standards and specifications necessary to implement the projects entered in the transformation plan within the Ministry’s fields.
12. Prepare follow-up reports on the work flow of the Ministry’s projects.

Article (13)

The Administrative and Financial Affairs Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative and technical supervision of the administrative units and sections affiliated thereto, and coordinate their activities to ensure good performance thereof.
2. Supervise the implementation of administrative and financial programs in light of the Ministry’s general plan and in accordance with the laws and regulations in place in this regard.
3. Supervise the application of all administrative and financial laws and regulations concerning the Ministry, and confirm that such is done efficiently and effectively.
4. Assess the various work programs at the Ministry in areas related to administrative and financial aspects.
5. Achieve the necessary level of coordination between the Ministry and other government bodies on joint issues as relates to administrative and financial affairs, such as the Ministry of Labour and Training, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Planning.
6. Determine the Ministry’s needs for labour, equipment and resources and monitor and continually improve the provision thereof, in coordination with the Ministry’s various administrative units and sectors.
7. Study appointment, transfer, delegation, promotion and other requests related to employee affairs and refer them to the competent bodies for a decision thereon accompanied by the department’s opinion.
8. Technical coordination with the various departments at the Ministry as relates to administrative and financial matters, and direct these departments to enable them to perform their activities in accordance with the established regulations and procedures.
9. General supervision of the preparation of the Ministry’s draft budget.
10. Supervision of the preparation of the necessary information on the Administrative and Financial Affairs Department and its subsidiary administrative units as relates to the budget proposals on administrative and financial services and submit it to those preparing the Ministry’s draft budget.
11. Propose procedures concerning the Administrative and Financial Affairs Department and its subsidiary administrative units and submit them to the Administrative Development Unit to study and work on their approval and to propose any developmental step in this area.
12. Prepare periodic reports on the Department’s work and activities.

Article (14)

The Training and Career Development Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Study and determine the training needs of Ministry employees in cooperation and coordination with the competent bodies.
2. Propose the plans and programs necessary to provide Ministry employees with training opportunities in light of the laws, regulations and decrees in this regard and in light of actual training needs, and work to implement them upon approval.
3. Receive nomination requests, send them to the concerned bodies, monitor trainees during training, receive the results and inform the concerned bodies thereof.
4. Coordinate with the training bodies as relates to the affairs of training candidates.
5. Study the development of work procedures and methods at the Ministry and work to improve them in cooperation and coordination with the concerned departments.
6. Monitor the use of technology and office equipment at the Ministry and work to improve it.
7. Monitor the assessment of Ministry employees’ performance, prepare reports thereon and submit them to the concerned bodies.
8. Address the problems and obstacles hindering Department activities and review all the issues in this regard.
9. Update, organise and keep records, data, and statistics related to Department activities and utilise technological capabilities in handling them.
10. Determine the Department’s needs for labour, equipment and resources and work to provide them.
11. Prepare periodic reports on the Department’s activities and achievements and proposals to improve performance therein.

Article (15)

The Delegations Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Prepare plans and standards on sending annual delegations and submit them to the Assistant Deputy for Delegations and Cultural Relations for approval and monitor the implementation thereof.
2. Coordinate, exchange expertise and consult with academic and educational institutions and other official bodies concerning the delegations system.
3. Submit studies to determine the standards and rules on the selection of delegates and academic specialisations.
4. Work to coordinate and cooperate with institutions and universities within its area of competence through the approved official channels.
5. Coordinate and cooperate with the Cultural Centres Department on all affairs and matters of student delegates.
6. Study the observations and opinions received from the Cultural Centres Department on the regulations for delegations, make the necessary amendments thereto and continually update them to be consistent with the prevailing conditions and circumstances.
7. Receive students and employees nominated for delegations and respond to their inquiries.
8. Direct and guide student delegates on everything of concern to them in the countries they are sent to and provide them with the necessary information on conditions in such countries.
9. Coordinate with language centres on acceptance exams and placement tests to attend these centres, the dates and terms of such exams, the location and results thereof and other related matters.
10. Participate in the committees holding competence to deal with student affairs and propose the regulations, rules and standards thereon.
11. Develop a comprehensive, updated guide to the regulations and laws on delegations, in coordination and cooperation with the concerned bodies at the Ministry.
12. Hold a guidance seminar for students who obtain delegation decisions on the program regulations and procedures.
13. Complete the required documents and provide guidance for student and employee candidates for delegations.
14. Document the necessary information on student delegates by establishing an integrated system for student and employee delegates, containing the delegate’s academic, personal and financial aspects.
15. Monitor the progress of delegates and assist with their academic and financial affairs until they obtain the academic degree.
16. Assist in obtaining language or academic acceptance of student delegates, in cooperation with the Cultural Centres Department.
17. Coordinate with the related departments and bodies to complete delegates’ procedures.
18. Prepare studies and statistics related to delegations and delegates.
19. Prepare the annual budget for the delegation program.
20. Organise the procedures on disbursal of financial payments and allowances.
21. Prepare plans and standards on sending annual delegations, submit them to the Minister for approval and monitor the implementation thereof.
22. Coordinate the exchange of expertise with academic and educational institutions and other official bodies concerning the delegations system and consult with these bodies in the area of competence through the approved official bodies.
23. Undertake procedures to distribute delegations, fellowships and study grants available from donor government bodies and international organisations to eligible persons, in accordance with the delegation standards and submit them to the minister to undertake the necessary measures with regard thereto.
24. Participate and coordinate in establishing priorities on sending educational delegations abroad, based on the country’s needs for studies abroad, in coordination with the concerned bodies, and propose and update the controls on sending delegations.
25. Submit studies and statistics related to delegations and delegates to the minister, and propose, monitor and implement programs to improve delegation programs.
26. Supervise the preparation of the annual budget for the delegation program and monitor the procedures on the distribution of financial payments and allowances in accordance with the legislation in force.
27. Prepare periodic reports and file them to the minister, receive observations and work to address them.

Article (16)

The Cultural Centres Department shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Perform supervisory and monitoring activities on everything related to financial and administrative affairs at cultural centres pertaining to students, coordinate their activities, monitor and improve their performance within the concerned competencies and stipulated powers and perform other related activities.
2. Prepare periodic reports on foreign universities and their levels.
3. Coordinate the process of exchanging expertise and visiting professors between educational institutions in Libya and fellow Arab countries and friendly countries.
4. Hold periodic meetings with centres to address all difficulties and obstacles and solve the problems they face.
5. Monitor cultural centres as relates to monitoring and supervising student delegates with regard to the procedures related to their studies and their academic achievements and needs.
6. Study the difficulties and problems delegates face in their studies and work to address them in cooperation with the cultural centres.
7. Prepare periodic reports on cultural centres with regard to students, their achievements and activities, submit such reports to officials and receive and work to address observations thereon.
8. Organise periodic visits to the supervisory bodies abroad.
9. Prepare research and studies related to the development of cultural centres.
10. Disciplinary supervision of students studying at their own expense and propose including them in the delegations system after they meet the requirements.
11. Perform the other tasks assigned thereto by the other Ministry elements within the area of their competence.

Article (17)

The Ministry Affairs Office shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Administrative supervision of the administrative units connected thereto and the extent of their application of instructions, coordination between them and other Ministry units to ensure the integration of their activities.
2. Receive matters submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research or the minister thereof, complete the necessary information and implement the instructions with regard thereto.
3. Prepare draft agendas of meetings of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, record the minutes and decisions thereof and follow up on its recommendations.
4. Manage, record and distribute the minister’s incoming mail and other documents, whether paper or electronic.
5. Consult with the minister and receive his instructions on cases of interest to the Ministry, whether originating within the Ministry or outside of it.
6. Issue specific and brief instructions and oral observations in accordance with work requirements and the minister’s requests.
7. Prepare for meetings of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
8. Arrange translation services for the minister, when needed.
9. Make the necessary arrangements to assist the deputy minister in his work.
10. Organise the meetings and communications of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
11. Record the decrees and publications of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and circulate them to the departments, offices, universities, higher institutes and all bodies affiliated to the Ministry or supervised thereby.
12. Examine the complaints received by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, refer them to the competent departments for response and prepare reports thereon.
13. Any other tasks assigned thereto by the minister in accordance with the legislation in force.

Article (18)

The International Cooperation Office shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Arrange and coordinate the minister’s official visits to Arab and foreign countries, including procedures on requesting approval for these visits and completion thereof with the competent bodies in Libya and abroad, and file a report on such.
2. Communicate and coordinate with the competent bodies inside and outside of the Ministry to prepare agreements and memoranda of understanding with ministries in other countries.
3. Communicate with local and international organisations and bodies as relates to the Ministry’s activities with regard to training programs, symposiums, conferences, various meetings and international expositions.
4. Supervise Libya’s participation in foreign book fairs by coordinating with Libyan embassies and cultural centres and with existing bodies participating in these fairs.
5. Supervise Libya’s participation in the cultural activities accompanying international book fairs.
6. Propose Libya’s participation in the membership of regional, international and Islamic organisations, associations and bodies related to the Ministry’s activities and undertake all necessary measures to contribute to their activities in coordination with the concerned administrative units at the Ministry.
7. Monitor the activities of international, regional and Arab organisations related to the Ministry’s activities and in which Libya is a member and any new developments with regard to their activities, regulations and decisions and prepare periodic reports thereon in coordination with the concerned administrative units at the Ministry.
8. Make recommendations on signing on to international cooperation programs if they are found to be of value, in coordination with the concerned administrative units at the Ministry.
9. Coordinate with regard to mutual agreements on scholarships and propose the procedures required to benefit therefrom.
10. Hold periodic meetings with experts on international and bilateral cooperation programs to ensure sound progress and address the obstacles faced, and prepare reports thereon.
11. Participate in conducting studies related to determining the Ministry’s needs for international expertise.
12. Propose the regulations and instructions approved with regard to the Office’s work, and monitor the implementation thereof upon approval.
13. Coordinate with the concerned administrative units at the Ministry as relates to the preparation and implementation of the annual budget and plans in the area of the Office’s activities, and monitor the implementation thereof upon approval.
14. Supervise foreign expositions, conferences and symposiums held at the institutions and bodies affiliated to the Ministry, in coordination with the related bodies.
15. Determine the Office’s needs for equipment and supplies and monitor and improve the provision thereof.

Article (19)

The Legal Affairs Office shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Provide legal advice and opinions on the matters submitted thereto.
2. Contribute to preparing draft laws related to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and review the legislation in force to propose the improvement thereof.
3. Monitor the cases filed before the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research or its councils, minister or deputy ministers.
4. Prepare and review the contracts and agreements to which the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is a party.
5. Investigate and study the complaints assigned thereto.
6. Draft the decrees of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, its councils, minister or deputy ministers.
7. Draft the memoranda that the minister decides to submit.
8. Establish an index to the decrees issued by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, its minister or deputy ministers for reference as needed.
9. Stamp and record the decrees issued by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the council, and deputy ministers [to] the bodies related to these decrees.
10. Any legal matters assigned thereto by the minister.

Article (20)

The Internal Audit Office shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Receive salary, wages and remuneration forms and the like to check and confirm their compliance with the laws and regulations and review their entry on the salary cards.
2. Check expense statements.
3. Study the contracts entered into by the Ministry’s administrative units and suppliers and check their financial terms to confirm their compliance with the financial laws, rules and regulations in effect.
4. Complete and review the procedures for obtaining letters of guarantee submitted by parties contracting with the Ministry’s administrative unit.
5. Open a file for each contract and create a summary of the most important financial terms contained therein, filing the contracts in special cabinets.
6. Check the payments set for disbursal against the original of each contract and approve the disbursal thereof, and subtract the amount from the contract value after completing the legally required steps with regard to prior oversight before disbursal.
7. Verify that there are no waivers to banks or other legal obstacles prior to disbursing amounts due to contract parties and contractors.
8. Confirm the preparation of bank payment authorisation forms and that the entry for the beneficiary’s account was made to their account at the bank.
9. Supervise the keeping of detailed records on administrative budget allowances and transformation projects.
10. Confirm that all amounts disbursed to transformation projects are entered on an ongoing basis from the account data and any amendments that might be made to the allowances approved for each project.
11. Verify that spending on the transformation budget is in keeping with the regulations, legal rules and provisions on the management of the transformation account, and monitor any financial violations or infringements of such regulations and rules.

Article (21)

The Monitoring and Inspection Office shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Monitor and prepare reports on the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s development plans.
2. Monitor the administrative performance of the Ministry Office.
3. Monitor the administrative performance of education and scientific research institutions.
4. Monitor the implementation of transformation projects at higher education institutions and supervise and inspect the administrative and financial aspects thereof.
5. Monitor the plans and programs made by the Ministry to implement decrees and directives in the field of higher education and scientific research.
6. Monitor and circulate the results of local academic conferences to ensure they are utilised in improving higher education.
7. Prepare responses to observations on the Ministry’s work flow and propose the annual report thereon.
8. Monitor the implementation of legislation, laws and regulations related to higher education and scientific research, prepare reports thereon and propose appropriate measures to ensure the implementation thereof.
9. Monitor Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research reports issued by the Ministry and the technical committees formed to study the matters and issues related to the performance level of higher education and scientific research institutions.

Article (22)

The Advisory Office shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Participate in planning and organisation operations, draw up the Ministry’s general policies, assess its achievements and submit periodic reports thereon.
2. Study and analyse the cases assigned thereto related to the Ministry’s work and submit the necessary opinions and recommendations to address them appropriately.
3. Provide opinions and specialised advice on the cases and matters referred by the minister or deputy ministers and employ the technical and administrative expertise necessary for such in coordination with the related bodies within and outside the Ministry to complete the request.
4. Propose ways of developing and improving the general performance level at the Ministry and the bodies affiliated thereto.
5. Ongoing monitoring and review of developments and updates in the Ministry’s area of expertise and prepare the necessary reports and summaries thereon.
6. Perform any other tasks assigned thereto in the area of work.

Article (23)

The Deputy Minister Offices shall hold competence to perform the following:

1. Receive the correspondence received by the deputy minister, submit it thereto and transfer it to the competent organisational division.
2. Transfer correspondence and reports signed by the deputy minister to the archives and the organisational division, as the case may be.
3. Organise the deputy minister’s appointments, meetings and correspondence.
4. Monitor the deputy minister’s procedures when he travels.
5. Keep and archive the documents and files related to the deputy minister’s work.
6. Monitor the organisation of the meetings held presided over by the deputy minister.

Article (24)

The internal regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research shall be issued under a decree from the Minister, and shall not conflict with this Decree and the legislation in force.

Article (25)

One or more committees shall be formed under decrees issued by the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research to implement this Decree.

Article (26)

This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its issue and any provision that conflicts with this Decree shall be repealed. The concerned bodies shall enforce this Decree and it shall be published in the Official Gazette.

The Cabinet – Libya

Issued on 12 Rabi’ al-Akhera 1433 AH

Corresponding to: 05/03/2012 AD