Sarajevo Canton Assembly Adopts Law on Higher Education

The Sarajevo Canton Assembly adopted the Law on Higher Education, reports Patria agency. 

22 deputies in the KS Assembly voted for the adoption of the new Law, while nine were against. 

The adoption of the Law was preceded by a heated debate among the assembly deputies. 

The Minister of Education of KS, Elvir Kazazović, stated that a new structure of the text was created, a recomposition containing five parts: higher education, UNSA, supervision over the application of the law, penal provisions, and transitional and final provisions.

- Only 27 articles relate to the University of Sarajevo. From Article 142 to Article 169. All remarks agreed upon with the Prime Minister and the academic community have been incorporated into the draft law. Along with the deputies' amendments accepted by the Government, it was drafted in a way that the proposals of all entities were taken into account. The law's provisions on treasury operations have been harmonized with the framework law – Kazazović said.

The Government adopted amendments from political parties and individuals as justified: SBB 2 amendments, the Club of Independent Deputies 5 amendments, Sabina Ćudić 1 amendment, and deputy Mario Vukasović 4 amendments.

The Rector of UNSA, Rifat Škrijelj, attended the Sarajevo Canton Assembly. 

The Rector of the University of Sarajevo, Rifat Škrijelj, addressed the deputies in the KS Assembly, stating that he regretted not being given the chance to complete his mandate on the platform he presented during his election as rector. 

- This law is unacceptable for several reasons. Let the creators look at the articles where it is stated in the same law that both the Senate and the Management Board can dismiss the rector, Article 133 and Article 154. Completely contradictory positions, what applies to other universities does not apply to UNSA. This indicates an appropriation of autonomy. An attempt is being made to create a new standard. It is also unacceptable due to unresolved financing issues. It is financed based on a grant and is not a budget user. Yet, a law is being passed that introduces it into the treasury. We have no guarantee of how much we will be financed. Public universities in other countries are financed from the budget, and this is clearly stipulated, along with how much own funds need to be secured – said Rector Škrijelj.