Nikšić: There is no social justification for a new private faculty, no compromise with education

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Hajriz Bećirović intends to establish a university in Sarajevo and has already submitted certain requests/documentation to the competent authorities of the Sarajevo Canton. According to information, it concerns the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Economics, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Philological Sciences.

"Incredible ambition, in fact - shocking in our conditions," noted academician Esad Duraković.

Like the UNSA Trade Union, Nermin Nikšić, the president of SDP, believes that there is no social justification in the Sarajevo Canton for opening private universities backed by individuals and organizations that are not respectable and have no experience in managing and organizing quality faculties.

"This includes the fact that such faculties do not have the necessary own teaching and associate staff, which would ultimately mean that we have poor education. If there is no one to transfer that knowledge to you, then cadres suitable for various machinations that ultimately suit the rulers are created. Knowledge is the power and wealth of a country, so there should be no compromise when it comes to education," says Nikšić.

He adds that the opening of non-respectable private universities in the Sarajevo Canton, as well as in other cantons, would undermine the quality of higher education, create unhealthy competition, and reduce the budget for financing the University of Sarajevo due to a decrease in student enrollments and tuition fees paid into the KS budget.

"The Trade Union, as well as reputable academics and professors, are more than competent to express their opinion on this. They have given it and they should certainly be listened to. If there is no social justification for such moves, there is no need to do them. The KS Government, or rather the Minister of Education, Science and Youth, must pay special attention and care when issuing permits for the opening of new Universities in KS, with an emphasis on the socio-economic justification of such moves.

Likewise, it is necessary to take into account the reputation, prestige, and academic references of those seeking approval to open higher education institutions," added Nikšić.