"Is it possible to provide quality education to students in the regions? Yes. In fact, in some respects, the situation in the regions is better. We have some regional universities whose educational quality is higher than some higher education institutions located in Baku".
These thoughts were voiced by the Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev during his speech yesterday.
Although positive opinions have been expressed about the quality of education in regional universities in recent years, the vast majority of applicants still prefer universities in the capital.
Sona Aliyeva, "Honored Teacher", told AzEdu.az that when talking about regional universities, the issue should neither be exaggerated nor understated.
In some specialties, regional universities can show more effective results than higher education institutions in the capital:
"Yes, it is possible to provide quality education in the regions. In fact, for some specialties, regional universities can show more effective results than some higher education institutions in the capital. But this does not mean that all regional universities have already surpassed Baku universities.
The advantage of regional universities is mostly manifested in certain areas. When the number of students is relatively small, it becomes easier for the teacher to work individually with the student. Auditoriums are not excessively overloaded. In some specialties, it becomes more realistic to establish connections with local production, agriculture, industry, and service sectors. That is, the student can learn about the field they are studying not only from books but also through the economic life of the region they live in.
However, these advantages do not automatically mean high quality. Regional universities also have serious problems. There is not a strong teaching staff everywhere. In some faculties, laboratories, modern teaching resources, foreign language opportunities, international relations, and systematic cooperation with employers are still weak. Nevertheless, some regional universities demonstrate serious potential in certain specialties and, if managed correctly, can genuinely compete with universities in the capital".
The reason why applicants still prefer Baku is not just education:
"For a young person, Baku is not just a university. Baku is a job opportunity, experience, network, acquaintances, additional courses, events, and an active social life. The student thinks that if they study in Baku, they will enter the labor market faster. This is because the country's main state institutions, companies, banks, media organizations, and international organizations are mainly concentrated in the capital.
The university's brand also plays an important role here. The names of some Baku universities are still more familiar to employers. Parents also often see their children's future in Baku. Even if there is real quality in a regional university, this quality is not adequately presented to society. As a result, when making a choice, the applicant relies more on the established image of the university than on its real capabilities".
A real development map should be prepared for regional universities:
"Today we talk about regional universities, but student life in the regions is still not attractive enough. It is difficult to keep a student in the region without dormitories, libraries, social spaces, internship programs, part-time job opportunities, a startup environment, and an active city life for young people. This issue is not solved by simply renovating the university building. A whole student ecosystem must be formed around the university.
The Minister's opinion is important in this regard. Because the attitude towards regional universities must change. But this change will not happen only with calls. The strengths of regional universities should be clearly shown, their weaknesses should not be hidden, and a real development map should be prepared for each university. If a regional university can offer students quality education, practical skills, a normal dormitory, a healthy social environment, and future job opportunities, applicants will choose it. Otherwise, no matter how much a regional university develops, Baku will still remain the "city of greater opportunities" in the eyes of young people".
