The Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, attended an iftaar program held at the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) in honor of university rectors, and hosted by the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş. The program, attended by rectors of state and foundation universities across Türkiye, brought together the higher education community under the roof of TBMM, the center of the nation’s will.
Speaking at the iftar program held in the ceremonial hall of the TBMM, Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş expressed his pleasure at meeting university rectors from across the country at such a meaningful gathering. He stated that it was a great honor to host representatives of higher education institutions at the heart of Türkiye’s democracy.
Speaker Kurtulmuş: “We Closely Follow the Development of Our Universities”
Kurtulmuş noted that they carefully monitor the progress universities have made in recent years and emphasized that higher education institutions play a strategic role in shaping Türkiye’s future. He stated:
“We closely follow the progress our universities have achieved, particularly in recent years. Stronger initiatives in the coming period will be of vital importance for Türkiye’s future. We will continue working together in unity and solidarity for the sake of our country’s tomorrow. I thank each and every one of you for your participation and contributions. May God accept our fasts.”
Speaker Kurtulmuş: “Internationalization Is One of the Priorities of Higher Education”
Kurtulmuş also highlighted the importance of internationalization in higher education, stating that the Turkish higher education system must establish stronger connections with the global academic community. He emphasized that universities should not only operate at the national level but also develop a strong capacity for scientific production on a global scale. He pointed out the importance of ensuring that students educated in Türkiye gain the competence to engage in academic activities at universities around the world. In this regard, he underlined the need to strengthen cooperation between Turkish universities and leading academic institutions abroad. Kurtulmuş stated that academic knowledge produced in Türkiye should evolve into a shared value at the global level.
Speaker Kurtulmuş: “Quality in Education Matters More Than Duration”
Touching upon the relationship between the duration and quality of education, Kurtulmuş emphasized the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in education. He said:
“The quality of a country’s education should not necessarily be measured by how many years a person spends in education. It is clear that more effective and stronger education can be provided in shorter periods of time. Our traditional educational method, the ‘ijazah’ system, was also based on scientific competence that some students could achieve in two years, while others could attain it in as little as two months.”
The iftaar program, held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, also provided an opportunity for rectors to exchange views on current developments in higher education, academic collaborations, and the future of universities. The program concluded with a commemorative group photograph.
