University of Prishtina electronic attendance project fails

PRISHTINA, April 26, 2026 — The University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” project for electronic attendance tracking of students and professors has been temporarily suspended after failing to work as planned. The setback marks a step back for administrative reforms promised by the new rectorate, aimed at improving data collection and tackling unjustified absences.

The system, procured during the past year, was meant to integrate with academic databases and streamline class registration and grading. However, professors and administrative staff have reported issues with biometric identification, time-consuming processes and outright failures in several faculties.

Criticism from students and union

The Independent University Union has demanded full transparency on project costs and the tender process. Students, meanwhile, have noted that many lectures have been cancelled or delayed because of the technical problems, hurting the academic calendar.

Rectorate representatives confirmed that a technical evaluation is being carried out by external experts, and the contracting company is obliged under the contract to make corrections. If issues are not resolved within the deadline, contractual penalties could follow.

A source inside the University stated that “this is an important lesson for technology procurement in the public sector — no system should be deployed without proper testing,” adding that the process will be fully reviewed.

The case has also opened a broader discussion about modernising university administration in Kosovo, where digitisation remains slow compared with regional peers. Students point out that other services, like issuing certificates and exam registration, still require lengthy in-person processes.

The university is expected to publish a detailed report on the causes of the failure and costs incurred, while the rectorate has pledged punitive measures if procurement violations are proven.

Source: Koha.