Priority tasks in higher education and science discussed

This sector receives special attention as a key pillar of the country’s development. New universities have been established, significantly expanding access to higher education. Alongside this, qualitative changes are being implemented in the educational process. 

Last year, bachelor’s degree programs were optimized, and more than 1,200 educational programs were aligned with international standards. In particular, qualification requirements for graduates were fully updated, and modern fields such as renewable energy sources, environmental engineering, and biosystems engineering were introduced. By the next academic year, another 1,000 educational programs and textbooks are set to be updated. 

Several necessary measures are planned for this year. More than 2,000 educational programs will be improved based on curricula from universities ranked in the top 300 worldwide. Forty-five educational programs will undergo international accreditation. All students will have access to registrar office services, and an additional 50,000 students will be involved in dual education programs.

The goal is to increase the scientific potential in higher education to 55 percent and provide advanced training abroad for 5,000 educators. Additionally, the number of leading engineering schools is set to expand to 25, and the value of joint projects with industrial enterprises will be increased tenfold. 

During the presentation, officials reported on plans. 

The “test first, then choice” principle has been introduced as part of university admissions reforms, and state grants are now allocated based on student abilities. In 40 financially autonomous universities, registrar offices have been established. As a result, faculty and administrative staff were reduced by 20 percent, and 30 types of services were digitized. 

Based on this experience, instructions were given to establish similar registrar offices in other universities and implement a unified digital system covering educational and research services.

To further integrate education with practical experience, dual education is being introduced. Currently, 15,000 students are engaged with 957 enterprises. However, businesses have shown limited interest in this collaboration. In response, a proposal was made to incentivize enterprises participating in dual education programs. 

During a video conference on June 20, 2024, the Head of state instructed establishing a technical university and advanced engineering schools in each region. So far, technical universities have been opened in Termez, Andijan, and Karshi, along with eight engineering schools. 

At the meeting, projects were presented for creating technical universities in Nukus, Bukhara, Fergana, and Namangan. These projects include introducing new academic programs, adopting international curricula, increasing student participation in scientific and innovation activities, and stronger collaboration with industrial partners.

By consolidating 35 educational institutions, the plan is to establish 22 technical universities. By the end of the year, 17 more engineering schools are expected to be opened. 

In recent years, the scientific potential of universities has increased from 41 to 45 percent. However, most scientific research does not fully align with modern trends in industry and production. 

For example, 25 percent of the gross value added in the past two years was generated in industry and 22 percent in agriculture. Despite this, only 14 percent of defended dissertations focused on industrial issues, while just 4 percent addressed agricultural challenges.

In this regard, instructions were given to prioritize key economic sectors when allocating doctoral quotas and to improve the process of awarding academic degrees and titles. The need to elevate the professional development of educators to a new level was also emphasized. 

The education and upbringing of young people require special attention to enlightenment and sports. Various programs, including “Five Initiatives”, “Sharing Enlightenment”, “Student Sports League”, and “Zakovat” (Intelligence), are being implemented in this direction. At the meeting, reports were presented on measures to fully engage students in spiritual, enlightenment, sports, intellectual projects, and initiatives to strengthen patriotism among young people.