What Should the Education Funding System Look Like?

By the end of the year, it is planned to transition schools to a per capita funding system. According to the Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, this will be implemented as a pilot project in several schools. "If the test is successful, it will pave the way for further development. This will create a good foundation for school autonomy and teacher-led management," he said.

It should be noted that per capita funding means the state provides appropriate funding to a school based on the number of students. Last year, Emin Amrullayev stated at the 16th Congress of Azerbaijani Teachers that per capita funding per student in Azerbaijani schools is distributed unevenly.

What Should the Per Capita Education Funding System Look Like?

In the program "Difficult Question," education expert Nabatali Gulamoglu answers this question. He immediately stated that he does not believe in the success of the per capita education funding system in Azerbaijan.

"Such a system is typical of civilized countries with a developed civil society that controls the entire flow of financial resources in the education system. The difference in Azerbaijan is that there is no civil society; it has been stifled. Is it possible for us to ensure financial control by society? That is the question," Gulamoglu said.

He noted that a per capita education funding system involves turning schools into public legal entities. According to the expert, this essentially means transforming schools into private enterprises. But is it possible to turn schools into such enterprises in Azerbaijan, and what will happen to the finances of these schools? Gulamoglu questions.

The expert also pointed out that personnel policies must be fundamentally changed—school directors should become competent managers who have the freedom to form their teaching staff.