About the university campus: 'dormitories must be free of charge'

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is set to witness the creation of a groundbreaking knowledge and business district, as outlined in the master plan for the city's development until 2040. The ambitious project aims to establish a comprehensive university campus equipped with private and public higher education institutions, student dormitories, accommodations for teachers, and guest houses for foreign researchers. The envisioned campus is expected to seamlessly integrate with existing rail, metro, and bus services, enhancing its accessibility.

The financial commitment to this transformative endeavor is significant, with the state allocating 24 million Manats, while the private sector is expected to contribute 136 million Manats. However, concerns about the allocation of resources have triggered debates among policymakers, education experts, and the public.

Ceyhun Mammadov, a member of the Committee on Science and Education of the Milli Majlis, told Turan about the need to solve not only problems related to universities, but also broader issues such as transport management. Mammadov acknowledged the existence of opinions advocating the relocation of all universities from Baku, but he stressed the need to strike a balance. The proposed university campus, he argued, necessitates careful consideration of its long-term infrastructure requirements to avoid future challenges.

However, education expert Nabatali Gulamoglu questioned the government's priorities, in an interview with Azadlig Radio,  expressing skepticism about the focus on grand construction projects. He highlighted concerns about the potential misuse of funds, commonly referred to as "black money," and raised questions about the government's commitment to addressing more immediate issues in the education sector.

Gulamoglu urged the government to prioritize investment in underprivileged areas of education, pointing out instances where classrooms accommodate a high number of students without adequate facilities. He questioned the government's genuine interest in education, asserting that the focus should be on addressing existing challenges rather than embarking on large-scale projects.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of the university campus project, Gulamoglu recommended that such facilities be located outside the city. Additionally, he suggested that Azerbaijani citizens residing in the campus hostels should be exempt from accommodation charges, with fees applicable only for additional services. For international students, he proposed a separate fee structure.

Despite attempts to seek responses from relevant authorities, no official statements were obtained from the Cabinet of Ministers or the Ministry of Science and Education regarding the concerns and opinions raised in the discourse. The ongoing debate underscores the need for transparent communication and strategic planning to ensure the success of Baku's ambitious knowledge and business district.