BY ABBAS GUCLU
Milliyet- The government's determination to open new universities can be appreciated. On the other hand, the Board of Higher Education's (YOK) opposition to every offer without proposing any program for the future of higher education shows its weakness.
This is what we see on one side of the coin. But what's the reality? Are the planned new universities just meant to woo votes in this year's elections, or does the country really need them? YOK recently also opposed 10 newly established universities, so why is it now trying to appoint their rectors? This time will it be determined to block the 17 new universities or accept them? And the most important thing: Does the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government intend to expand its employment policy to universities as well? ...
The new universities, of course must be considered due to our booming young population and the dearth of schools offering higher education. But this is mostly a duty of YOK, not the government, as the Constitution gives YOK that task. But YOK doesn't care. It has a name, but it's not functioning, and then the government is trying to fill that vacuum, even by exaggerating...
It's clear that from the outset, the AKP government has looked at universities in a different way. Their real goal isn't scholarship, technology or helping young people, but filling the staff of these universities with their own supporters. Their bills and initiatives to open new 27 universities are clear indicators of this.
Turkey certainly needs more universities. But this should be carried out with planning and a program, as well as a timetable. In other words, it shouldn't be jury-rigged. Really establishing a university needs about 50 years. Most of our universities are still in their nascent years. Furthermore, while there are 26,000 vacancies for scholars, let's say you constructed the buildings, found students, and established laboratories --- where will you find lecturers?
The most important thing is that universities are neither a source of employment, nor an investment to save cities. It doesn't look like promoting towns to provinces. A university can't be established with only a sign, by posting a rector and setting up a few faculties. A city needs decades to become ready for and deserve a university...