Some rectors are resisting the consolidation of universities – Vinnytsia

Some rectors are resisting the consolidation of universities – Vinnytsia

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Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykhailo Vynnytskyi said that the process of consolidating higher education institutions is facing resistance from educators. This mainly concerns rectors.

He said this on the air of the “Edyny Novyni” telethon.

“Our goal is not to reduce the number of teachers. On the contrary, we reduce their workload. The question is not about saving, but about improving the quality of education.” – said Vynnytskyi.

According to him, not all educators understand this. Therefore, the optimization of universities faces resistance.

“However, it is often connected with the rector’s ambitions. We must understand that instead of two rectors, there will be one, and this is a painful process for the leader.” – said the deputy minister.

At the same time, almost nothing will change for students with the consolidation of higher education institutions, Vynnytskyi claims. They will not lose their educational programs and will continue to study under the conditions on which they entered.

As Vynnytskyi noted, the process of unification of universities lasts from six months. However, this usually takes a year.

Why does Ukraine need the consolidation of higher education institutions?

“The educational infrastructure of Ukraine was built taking into account the demographic situation that existed 15-20 years ago. In 2008, there were 650,000 school graduates, this year – 350,000. At the same time, the number of universities was 150, now – 130. The average number of students in higher education institutions education was about 10,000, it became 5,700. – remarked Vynnytskyi.

According to him, the consolidation of higher education institutions is not about saving, but about improving the quality of education.

“In a larger institution, a student has the opportunity to choose subjects, there is more competition between teachers. Accordingly, a more competitive environment is formed.

When there are consolidated institutions, we can invest in them in a more targeted way. Now we have funds from the World Bank, from which we can allocate from 1 to 1.5 million dollars to each such university.” – said the deputy minister.

He emphasized that Ukraine should abandon branches so that universities become a full-fledged part of the city space – with shelters, sports infrastructure, etc.

According to Vynnytskyi, most of the branch universities – railway, road, forestry, etc. – have ceased to be so today.

“For example, the Printing Academy has certain printing specialties, but in fact more than half of the students study computer science, economics, marketing. Unfortunately, these programs are not of the same quality as in classical universities.” – he assured.

When merging a branch university with a larger one, it is planned to create an autonomous faculty or institute dedicated to its specifics. And joint programs – to harmonize.

Previously, Mykhailo Vynnytskyi voiced the criteria for consolidation of educational institutions. In his opinion, in cities with a population of 100 to 350 thousand people, no more than two universities should be maintained.