Rojava University to continue previous admissions process, administrative, educational activities

Today, the Rojava University Council issued a statement to the public, students and the academic community regarding the latest developments between the university and Syria's Ministry of Higher Education.

The statement was read outside the university building in the city of Qamishlo in the presence of university students by Rojava University Co-President Rojin Osso and lecturer Khalil Hussein.

The statement read:

“In light of the ongoing discussions and critical developments concerning the integration process and the future of educational institutions in our region, and stemming from our academic and ethical responsibility to place the interests of students and the people of this region at the forefront of our priorities, as well as our commitment to protecting our academic journey, whose foundations were laid through the efforts and dedication of our teaching staff and students over a decade of continuous struggle, the Rojava University Council wishes to bring the following points to the attention of the public:

- We strategically reaffirm that we have been, and remain, open to the integration process since its inception. Over the past months, we have undertaken serious and extensive preparations in the interest of the future of higher education.

- Following the university council's latest meeting and an assessment of students' expectations, it became clear that the decisions issued by Syria's Ministry of Higher Education regarding Rojava University were unsatisfactory and failed to meet our legitimate expectations, particularly as they are completely disconnected from the academic, social and historical realities of our region.

Our key demands:

- We call on the Ministry of Higher Education to genuinely recognize the distinct identity of our region and the Kurdish character of Rojava University and take these into consideration.

- The university must retain its full identity and current status throughout this academic year, until the discussions reach a balanced and mutually acceptable formula that preserves our national, academic and cultural distinctiveness.

- No departments must be closed, as all of them were established to meet the region's urgent social, academic and practical needs.

- Kurdish students have received their education in the Kurdish language for the past 12 years, and an immediate transition to Arab-language colleges and universities would pose considerable difficulties and create a major obstacle for them.

- The difficult living and economic conditions currently facing our region must be taken into account, as they make it entirely impossible for students and their families to bear the costs and burdens of studying in other governorates.

On this national and academic basis, the Rojava University Council officially announces that the previously announced admissions process will continue, with its results to be released soon. The university will also continue its administrative and educational activities without retreating or making concessions until a separate, independent university is established for our region, with Kurdish and Arabic as its languages of instruction and all departments and specializations fully maintained without any conditions.

In conclusion, we reaffirm our pride in being an active and creative part of Syria's higher education system, on the condition that the coming academic year be dedicated to constructive academic dialogue on the future of the university and that of our students and teaching staff, who have made tremendous efforts and endured all kinds of hardships over the past ten years."

A-H

ANHA