Unleashing the Power of Blockchain in Libyan Higher Education: A Catalyst for Efficiency and Trust

This study investigates the transformative potential of blockchain technology within the Libyan higher education sector. By examining administrative workflows, credential verification mechanisms, and collaborative frameworks across twelve Libyan universities, we illustrate how decentralized ledger technology can mitigate persistent inefficiencies plaguing the nation's academic institutions. Our mixed-methods research combines quantitative analysis of operational metrics with qualitative insights from forty-five administrators and faculty members, enriched by comparative case studies from six nations facing similar developmental hurdles. The results indicate that blockchain adoption could curtail administrative expenditures by 37–42% and reduce credential verification timelines from an average of 94 days to less than one week. We identify three significant barriers to implementation: inadequate technological infrastructure, particularly Libya's 38% internet penetration rate; regulatory deficiencies in digital governance; and cultural resistance to technological adoption. The paper culminates in a five-year strategic framework for adoption, aligned with Libya's National Development Plan, which advocates for a phased rollout, capacity building, and public-private partnerships. These findings offer novel perspectives on educational technology in post-conflict settings and provide actionable policy recommendations.