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The President of Türkiye’s Council of Higher Education (YOK), Prof. Dr. Erol Ozvar, announced that a comprehensive cooperation protocol has been signed with Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education. The agreement includes plans to establish a joint Türkiye-Syria University in either Damascus or Aleppo.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Central Operating Theaters Building at Ege University Faculty of Medicine in Izmir, Prof. Ozvar highlighted Türkiye’s growing strength in higher education. “With its student population, university infrastructure, scientific research, and technological development, Türkiye ranks among the top countries in Europe,” he said.
He also pointed to the increasing need for medical professionals, noting demographic trends. “As our population ages, demand for healthcare services will grow, which will increase the need for physicians and healthcare workers. Today, Türkiye is making substantial contributions not only to its national healthcare system but also to the global health sector,” he added.
Ege University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Budak stated that the new surgical facility was designed with a focus on medical safety and patient comfort. He noted that up to 70 patients can undergo surgery simultaneously at the center, significantly enhancing access to medical care.
Following the speeches, the new building was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Prof. Ozvar also attended the unveiling of a monument marking Ege University’s 70th anniversary and later participated in an academic promotion ceremony at the Prof. Dr. Yusuf Vardar-MOTBE Cultural Center.
Prof. Ozvar emphasized the role of international academic partnerships, noting that Turkish universities have established strategic collaborations with institutions across various regions. “These partnerships are helping to accelerate academic exchange and cooperation,” he said.
Regarding his recent visit to Syria, Ozvar explained: “Last week, we conducted a productive visit to Syria at the invitation of our counterparts, accompanied by several Turkish university rectors. We met with the Syrian Minister of Higher Education, university administrators, faculty members, and students in several cities.”
The main outcome of the visit, he said, was the signing of a protocol to establish a joint Türkiye-Syria University in Damascus or Aleppo. “We aim to implement this initiative as soon as possible. The protocol also includes measures to support the reintegration of Syrian students returning from studies in Türkiye,” Ozvar said.
Prof. Ozvar reiterated YOK’s commitment to enhancing research, academic publishing, sustainability, social responsibility, and innovation across Turkish universities. He also outlined the Council’s goals for improving global rankings:
“By 2028, we aim to see at least two Turkish universities among the world’s top 200, ten in the top 500, and fifty in the top 1,000. Reaching these targets depends on improving quality assurance in education, increasing funding for scientific and technological research, strengthening the global employability of our graduates, and boosting the impact of academic publications,” he said.
He concluded by noting that YOK is working in coordination with the Turkish government to implement bold and determined reforms in administrative, institutional, and financial areas to help achieve these objectives.
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