Visit of the Cyprus Universities Association (CUA) President and Members to the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation, and Coordination Council (YÖDAK)

The President of the Cyprus Universities Association (CUA), Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, and Board Members Prof. Dr. Orhan Gemikonaklı, Prof. Dr. Behiye Çavuşoğlu, Prof. Dr. Erdal Güryay, Prof. Dr. Serdar Yurtsever, Prof. Dr. Gökçe Keçeci, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tolga Öz visited the President of the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation, and Coordination Council (YÖDAK), Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın, along with YÖDAK Board Members Vice President Prof. Dr. Hasan Amca, Prof. Dr. Ali Ünyayar, Prof. Dr. Zafer Ağdelen, Prof. Dr. Remziye Terkan, and Prof. Dr. Akın Cellatoğlu. The meeting focused on the current state of the higher education sector in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), challenges faced, and strategic plans for the future.

During the discussions, topics such as preserving and enhancing quality standards in higher education, increasing international recognition, improving academic accreditation processes, and addressing the common challenges faced by universities were brought to the table. Both parties emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation and solidarity to ensure the sustainability of the sector and to advance the higher education system.

A Message of Mutual Collaboration

The President of the Cyprus Universities Association, Prof. Dr. Asım Vehbi, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with YÖDAK, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the role of universities in the higher education ecosystem and increasing their competitiveness on the international stage. YÖDAK President Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın stated that this visit was an important step in strengthening communication and solution-oriented approaches. He underlined that YÖDAK fulfills its responsibilities for monitoring, accreditation, and planning within the framework of laws, regulations, and guidelines, and with the joint efforts of higher education stakeholders, the TRNC’s position in the sector can be elevated further.

The visit concluded with a productive meeting in which the parties exchanged views. A commitment to meet more frequently in strategic cooperation areas for the future of TRNC higher education was highlighted.

This visit was evaluated as a strong indicator of the solid ties and common goals in the field of higher education, paving the way for progress with steady steps.