The Interuniversity Academic Coordination Board (ÜAKK) Meeting Held with the Participation of President Ersin Tatar

The Interuniversity Academic Coordination Board (ÜAKK) meeting was hosted by the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation, and Coordination Council (YÖDAK).

The meeting, held in the Court of Auditors’ conference hall, was attended by university rectors and professors selected by universities as members of the Interuniversity Academic Coordination Board.

In his speech at the meeting, President Ersin Tatar emphasized the role of higher education in economic development and promoting the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), stating that harming the sector and damaging its reputation would be the worst thing for the country.

Highlighting that nearly 200,000 international students have graduated from universities in the TRNC, President Tatar continued:

“Those who claim fake diplomas are being distributed are betraying all of us and doing harm to this country. There are such headlines and statements that suggest everyone is collectively responsible for this wrongdoing. This is not the case. If there is misconduct, where and how it occurred is clear, and investigations are ongoing. If there are shortcomings, measures are being taken. These students continue their education here with great sacrifices. Every false report published is an injustice to them. Yes, some difficulties may have been experienced, and those who deserve punishment will receive it.”

Noting that universities are not established easily, that distinguished and important individuals have taught there for years, and that there is 45 years of experience in higher education, President Tatar said the sector contributes about one billion dollars annually to the national economy.

President Tatar stated:

“Our duty is to further expand this sector. It is very valuable and important to us. Politicians should also consider the sector’s interests and future when making statements… Their statements should be measured.”

President Tatar also emphasized that some universities have reached a competitive level with global institutions through their education and investments:

“The TRNC has created a brand in higher education. Tourism is also a brand, but in my opinion, our brand in education is even more valuable. I am ready to do whatever is necessary to maintain the sector’s quality and hope. Let’s not damage ourselves any further; I believe we don’t deserve this level of criticism and discrediting.”

Referring to the Greek Cypriots’ constant efforts to hinder the Turkish Cypriot people, President Tatar said:

“They are ready to take every possible action to undermine the TRNC and its sectors, using every opportunity to harm us. This is our reality. There is nothing we can do about it. Establishing diplomatic relations with them will not fix this because their intentions are entirely different… We must be careful not to make mistakes. We must avoid giving South Cyprus any reason to exploit us.”

Addressing the recent geopolitical developments in the surrounding region, President Tatar stated that students considering coming to Cyprus take these developments into account and added, “We have overcome many crises; hopefully, these will also pass.”

YÖDAK President Aykut Hocanın, in his speech, briefed President Tatar and other participants on the recent developments related to the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA), which comprises institutions assessing university quality.

Noting that YÖDAK has been an observer member of ENQA since 2007 and that membership applications are renewed every five years, Hocanın stated that they submitted the required application last February, but it was not processed.

He mentioned receiving a letter from ENQA indicating that one of its members objected to renewing YÖDAK’s observer membership. The letter also requested information on the arrest of a former YÖDAK president, an ongoing diploma investigation at a university, allegations linking international student arrivals to human trafficking, and other related matters.

Hocanın shared that he provided information on YÖDAK’s activities, the newly established Higher Education Information System (YÖKSİS), and student numbers in response letters to the President, Minister of National Education, and Director of the Higher Education Department.

He further stated that a second letter from ENQA requested additional information, particularly concerning international students and YÖKSİS. During his participation in ENQA’s General Assembly in Malta, he conveyed this information to ENQA’s President and some board members.

YÖDAK President Hocanın concluded:

“The process is being followed with the necessary adjustments underway. Once these are completed, we will be able to reapply to ENQA.”

Source: TRNC Presidency Website - kktcb.org