Experts on the feasibility of transferring universities to the regions

Baku/24.11.21/Turan: In order to develop the regions and reduce the overpopulation of Baku, experts suggest moving a number of universities from the capital to the districts. Such a step would contribute to an increase in the economic activity of the regions and a decrease in migration to Baku.

The Milli Mejlis deputy Fazil Mustafa believes that not only some universities, but also a number of state institutions, including ministries, can be transferred to the regions. Another deputy, Jeyhun Mammadov, believes that it is better to create new universities in the regions, rather than transfer existing ones there. 

“It is advisable to increase admission to regional universities and create an appropriate infrastructure,” Mammadov said. In this sense, the creation of a university in Karabakh is of particular importance.

Expert-economist Natig Jafarli considers it necessary to have planned transfer of institutions to the regions. “This is important both for reducing the burden on Baku and increasing the role of regions in the economy. Today, the regions account for only 11% of the country's income, which indicates their underdevelopment,” Jafarli said.

“Universities are a tool for creating economic opportunities. If 10-15 thousand students study at the university, about a thousand teachers and other employees work, this creates large settlements around universities, hostels, cafes, restaurants, trade facilities, which expands economic opportunities and provides employment for the population,” Jafarli continued.

According to the expert, it makes sense to open branches of foreign universities in the regions. "This will reduce interest in universities in Baku and reduce the overpopulation of the capital," the expert said.

An expert in the field of education Kamran Asadov, commenting on this issue, noted that currently there are 44 higher educational institutions and 7 branches in the country. At the same time, there are 35 universities in Baku, where 142,687 students study.

Placing universities in the center of the capital increases road congestion. “Undoubtedly, the transfer of universities outside the city will be an important factor in reducing the workload of the capital,” Asadov said.

In his opinion, the following could be brought to the regions: Azerbaijan State University of Languages; Azerbaijan State Economic University; Baku Slavic University and Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University.

“Because the educational buildings of these universities are located in the center of the capital, in places with heavy traffic. I think it would be more efficient to locate these universities in Sumgayit, Absheron, Saray and Jeyranbatan,” Asadov said.

Universities in the United States and other major countries are located both in cities and beyond. “Many universities in Turkey have campuses. They are provided with all facilities for training, recreation and accommodation of students,” the expert noted.

The State Education Development Strategy of Azerbaijan provides for the creation of campuses. “This means that in the near future we can witness the relocation of universities outside of Baku. Thus, the Baku branch of the Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Baku Higher Oil School have already been withdrawn,” Asadov noted.