The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has joined the growing list of global universities that recognise the need to prevent certificate fraud and avoid fraudulent representation of qualifications.
The Johannesburg-based university says it is the first South African institution to offer blockchain-based certificates for graduates. This not only allows graduates to securely view and order lost or damaged certificates, but also gives them access to share their certificates securely with third-parties or employers, at no cost.
From this year, all its certificates will be interfaced with blockchain-based security features, UJ notes.
The digital certificate system was introduced in 2019, to give UJ graduates access to their certificates digitally and assist in securely sharing these certificates with third-parties or prospective employers.
“The new blockchain-based certificate features will enhance the security of certificates even more,” says Dr Tinus van Zyl, senior director of Central Academic Administration at UJ.
“Certificates issued from this year on will have QR codes printed on them, which anybody can scan with a smartphone to verify whether the information on the certificate is correct and has been issued legitimately by UJ.
“The public is now able to validate the awarded qualifications for UJ graduates without having to contact the university, or having to go through a verification agency, just by scanning the QR code on the certificate, and at no cost.”
In March, edtech firm ETS Global announced a collaboration with BCdiploma, a company that digitises academic documents, to introduce a turnkey blockchain solution for delivering tamper-proof diplomas and certificates to educational institutions across the globe.
Last year, global online higher learning institution − the University of the People − announced it will begin providing its graduates with digital non-fungible token-based diplomas, which are tamper-proof and can be easily shared with potential employers.
Professor Kinta Burger, UJ’s registrar, comments: “UJ is really pleased to offer this additional security feature for our graduates. The new blockchain-based certificates will not only protect the university’s certificates from fraud, but also preserve the reputation of the institution and the integrity of qualifications.
“UJ is committed to applying new technologies to improve systems and service delivery. This continuous improvement strategy and use of cutting-edge technology, facilitated through the fourth industrial revolution, are at the heart of our philosophy.”
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