Ilia State University rector calls for dialogue with PM over reforms

Nino Doborjginidze, rector of Ilia State University, on Tuesday said the institution had formally appealed to the prime minister, urging the government to engage in evidence-based discussions with universities about the country’s educational needs.

Doborjginidze stressed that a meeting held on Monday with the Minister of Education and Science ended without results. “Unfortunately, the meeting concluded with zero outcome, as none of our arguments were taken into account,” she said.

The rector noted the university had written to the prime minister, stressing that the institution represented 17,500 students and more than 3,000 employees. “

They are obliged to listen to us. Together with universities and based on evidence, we must determine what this country needs - not have decisions about education defined unilaterally by forceful ministers,” she said.

Under the new arrangement, Ilia State University will be allowed to enrol a total of 300 students across its academic programmes.