TSU professors ‘unanimously oppose’ proposed merger with Technical University

Professors from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) have issued a joint statement opposing a proposed merger between TSU and the Georgian Technical University.

The statement said on Monday all 62 professors who took part in a secret ballot held on 31 January 2026 expressed a negative view of the proposed unification. None supported the idea of merging the two universities.

Based on the results of the vote, the professors have published an open letter, inviting other members of the academic community who share their position to join.

In the letter, the professors described TSU as more than an educational institution, calling it an integral part of Georgia’s national identity, with a historic role in shaping the country’s past, present and future.

“TSU is not merely an institution whose future should be considered only through procedural or legal frameworks,” the statement said.

The professors have called on decision-makers to “halt any rushed” or fundamental changes to the university’s status or structure and to initiate broad, public and reasoned consultations with the academic community before taking further steps.