Corruption in Iran's educational network continues despite numerous revelations. One such case involves widespread misconduct by a faculty member at Omidieh Islamic Azad University, named Seyed Nouraldin Hosseini, over more than a decade. Documents obtained by Feydus reveal that Hosseini, as the department head at this university, managed the Petroleum Engineering group from the mid-2010s until last year.
Forcing Students to Surrender Theses
According to these documents, Hosseini forced master's and doctoral students to hand over the writing of their theses and dissertations to an intermediary. This person charged students substantial amounts for writing the theses. In cases where students objected, reports indicate that Nouraldin Hosseini threatened them, stating that if they refused to hand over their thesis writing to the intermediary and pay the fee, their educational and research affairs would be disrupted.
Academic Theft in Hundreds of Theses
Notably, according to the documents and investigations, the intermediary, under Hosseini's orders, was responsible for writing the theses, and a significant portion of the thesis texts was prepared by translating and copying from registered foreign theses. This action has been clearly identified as academic theft, directly questioning the academic records of the students. Informed sources have stated that over all these years, more than 250 to 300 master's theses have been translated and copied word-for-word from foreign theses.
Thesis Evaluation by the Department Head
According to this report, Hosseini continued to manage this fraudulent and corrupt method by also taking on the evaluation of these theses, awarding the highest grades to students, and specifically damaging the educational standards and academic and research quality of this university.
Pressure to Halt Disciplinary Action
Despite comprehensive reports sent by the president of Omidieh Islamic Azad University to the inspection, security, and disciplinary committee of Khuzestan province, this report states that due to pressure from influential individuals connected to Nouraldin Hosseini on Shahram Lak, the president of Khuzestan Islamic Azad University, he has not dared to issue a disciplinary ruling against Nouraldin Hosseini. According to all educational structure laws, the definitive ruling on this corruption case will be Hosseini's dismissal and legal prosecution.
