In addition to the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the Rector of Atatürk University, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, attended the 26th Interuniversity Council (ÜAK) meeting in Ankara. The meeting was attended by university rectors and vice rectors, in addition to the members of the YÖK and ÜAK.

During the meeting, there was an exchange of perspectives regarding the current state of higher education institutions, strategic plans for the future, and the advancement of university collaboration. Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the President of YÖK, emphasised the significance of universities in the scientific and social advancement of our nation and provided assessments of the measures that should be implemented to enhance the quality of education.

President Özvar emphasised that the new academic year will result in the closure of second education programs in state universities, the reduction of quotas for programs with a weak relationship to employment, and the implementation of the 35-year age limit within the scope of "second university" for five programs that serve as the foundation for open education classes. He stated, "All of the decisions we have made are intended to enhance the quality of programs and the sensitivity of higher education to employment."

In the 2024 Bologna Process Implementation Report Card, Özvar emphasised Turkey's accomplishments in the field of higher education. He also stated that they have commenced efforts to address any deficiencies as soon as possible. Özvar stated, "When the report is viewed in its entirety, it is evident that our country has demonstrated an exceptionally successful performance in terms of the pertinent indicators of higher education." This situation is gratifying in that it demonstrates the successful position of our higher education system within the European Higher Education Area.

In his post-meeting statement, Rector Hacımüftüoğlu stated that Atatürk University will persist in its support of scientific research across the nation and that such gatherings are of paramount significance to the future of higher education. Hacımüftüoğlu also stated that the topics discussed at the meeting will enhance cooperation between universities and further advance the educational opportunities available to students.

The universities' exchange of perspectives concluded the meeting.

Corporate Communications Directorate – September 26, 2024