UNSA: KUIP inspectors were not expelled, 30 inspections conducted since October 1st!

(Patria) - The University of Sarajevo reacted today to certain media reports that cantonal inspectors for higher education were expelled from UNSA premises today, rejecting such claims.

"The claim that inspectors were 'expelled' from the premises of the University of Sarajevo is completely unfounded and malicious. All actions during their unannounced visit were carried out with full respect for legal regulations and with a professional approach by the University staff.

The Law on Higher Education – Article 155 clearly defines that supervision over the University should be carried out in a way that does not disrupt its work and respects the autonomy of higher education institutions. Inappropriate pressure, unannounced controls, and requests for access to unsigned/unverified acts constitute a violation of this fundamental principle.

The University of Sarajevo recognizes the importance of inspection supervision, but we insist that it be carried out in a manner that respects the autonomy of the University, legal frameworks, and usual practices, including prior notification of the inspectors' arrival. We note that on November 15, 2024, KUIP inspectors, without prior notice, requested access to the acts of the Steering Committee which were not yet complete, signed, or verified. Such practice constitutes an abuse of authority and disrupts the regular work of the University. On several occasions, it was emphasized to the inspectors that the acts could not be made available until they had gone through the verification procedures stipulated by regulations," stated UNSA.

The subject of the supervision that did not take place today are the Guidelines of the Steering Committee of the University of Sarajevo, which precisely define the obligations of the University/member institution management regarding inspection supervision and control, i.e., specify the deadlines for submitting information about supervision and controls, aiming for a harmonized and transparent approach in conducting supervision and control. This would facilitate the work of KUIP at the member institutions of the University of Sarajevo.

"Similar cases have occurred before, including the unannounced arrival of inspectors on November 4, 2024, which caused difficulties for the professional services in following the extraordinary session of the Steering Committee, as well as cases at the University's member institutions where teaching staff had to interrupt classes or the work of a body within a member institution/University to conduct inspection supervision and control. Such situations seriously disrupt the work of the University of Sarajevo's member institutions.

The University of Sarajevo is the most complex public institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with over 2600 employees and 31 member institutions, whose work involves high complexity. In this context, mutual understanding and respect from all parties are crucial for successful cooperation.

For the period from July 2021 to December 2023, over 247 inspection supervisions were conducted at 22 out of a total of 31 member institutions of the University of Sarajevo, which were previously announced. Starting from October 1, 2024, more than 30 inspection supervisions have been carried out at the University of Sarajevo and its member institutions. These numbers clearly demonstrate the high level of transparency and openness of the University towards inspection bodies.

The University of Sarajevo believes that KUIP should respect the long-standing cooperation and practice of announcing inspection supervisions, and within the legal procedures in the field of higher education, in order to avoid disagreements and ensure the smooth operation of the University, which currently has over 22,000 students. We also appeal to the media to refrain from disseminating inaccurate and sensationalist information that damages the reputation of the University.

Finally, the University of Sarajevo remains committed to full transparency and cooperation with all relevant institutions, but on the condition that the laws and procedures protecting the autonomy and regular operation of our institution are respected," it was announced from the University of Sarajevo.

Otherwise, after the inspection finding on the annulment of the competition and the election of the UNSA rector, and with the Ministry rejecting UNSA's appeal and confirming the inspection's finding, a legal chaos ensued. The University of Sarajevo has the option of administrative litigation in which it will challenge the KUIP decision.

The Ministry has ordered that the UNSA Senate appoint an acting rector of UNSA.