The education reform was one of the most significant and successful changes implemented in Georgia in the 21st century. However, over time, it became evident that the aforementioned reform required certain updates and adjustments, the implementation of which has already partially begun.
Within the framework of the reform, one of the most important decisions was the initiative to merge Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University and the Georgian Technical University, which was followed by large-scale public protest. In response to the emerging circumstances, the government was forced to review the aforementioned decision, which was ultimately regarded as an appropriate and justified measure.
In my opinion, the removal of the faculties of Social Sciences, Business Technologies, and Law from the Georgian Technical University as a result of the aforementioned reform was a correct decision. Although the Georgian Technical University had represented the leading center for the preparation of engineering personnel in the country for many years, as a result of the introduction of the aforementioned faculties, the engineering fields gradually lost their priority positions.
This decision may also be regarded as justified, since in recent years the quality of education at the Georgian Technical University has failed to meet the desired standards. However, it should also be noted that a considerable number of highly qualified professors and academic staff members were employed by these faculties. I believe that the low quality of teaching was largely caused by the lack of objective and transparent selection procedures at the Technical University for many years. In addition, faculty deans were appointed in violation of the Law on Higher Education of Georgia, while standards of accountability and academic rigor were insufficiently maintained.
As for the Ilia State University, it is advisable to increase the student quota, which would enable the higher educational institution to expand admissions to unique programs, particularly in the fields of ecology and environmental protection.
Furthermore, within the framework of the Unified National Examinations, the proportion of applicants admitted through mathematics-based examinations in the fields of economics, business, tourism, and engineering should be increased to 50%.
The issue related to the tourism program also requires immediate attention. In recent years, within the National Qualifications Framework, tourism has no longer been categorized as a field of business, which, in my opinion, represents a serious mistake and and requires reconsideration and correction.
Furthermore, it is advisable to provide professors from different universities with the opportunity to participate in competitions for the positions of rector, dean, and other academic positions, which would significantly increase both competition and the transparency of the process.
In state universities, commissions responsible for the selection of professors should be established in agreement with the Ministry of Education and Science, while membership in such commissions should be limited — the same person should be permitted to serve as a commission member no more than twice.
In state universities, the share of the final examination should be increased to 40% of the overall assessment, namely 16 points.
It is also necessary to restrict admissions to PhD programs, since the current number of doctoral candidates does not adequately correspond to the country’s needs. In addition, a minimum B2 level of foreign language proficiency should be required for admission to doctoral programs.
In both state and private universities, professors should be limited to teaching no more than three subjects.
Furthermore, the state should consider the possibility of re-establishing branches at certain universities.
The aforementioned and other similar measures would contribute to the improvement of the higher education system and to enhancing the quality of training of qualified personnel.
