Education Minister: Opposition’s manipulative claims on education reform reveal obsession with obstruction

“For several days now, the opposition and their associates have been voicing completely groundless, absurd accusations regarding the new higher education reform concept, which is utterly unacceptable from people who in their time did nothing whatsoever to improve the education system,” declared Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze.

In the minister’s assessment, these people have no arguments whatsoever, and their statements constitute a provocation aimed at deliberately misleading society.

“The fact is this: the concept represents a concrete vision of how we must address the problems we face today. This is the path to regulating everything in such a way that the system serves, first and foremost, the interests of the country and society. We are ready to discuss these issues with the relevant focus groups. We have already begun work in this direction. In the coming days we shall organise meetings and listen to any sound position, any critical opinion. What matters is that it be constructive in nature and supported by appropriate arguments.

The manipulative, meaningless statements made by the opposition once again demonstrate that these people have nothing to say and that their only aim is to obstruct the system’s development. Based on the discussions, we shall make final decisions. Following this, the government will approve the concept, which will form the foundation for implementing the reform,” Givi Mikanadze noted.

According to the minister, the higher education reform concept presented by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addresses the main challenges existing in the system, covering seven principal directions.

“We have developed responsive measures for all seven directions, which we believe will help us overcome the challenges existing in the system. Fulfilling the set tasks will give us the opportunity to bring the quality of higher education in Georgia closer to international standards,” Givi Mikanadze declared.