'Diploma' investigation into İmamoğlu: Testimony of Girne American University co-founder revealed

As part of the investigation carried out by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, allegations that Ekrem İmamoğlu's undergraduate diploma is fake have been placed under scrutiny. Within the scope of the investigation, the testimony of Özalp Tozan, one of the co-founders of Girne American University, was taken. Tozan explained the university's establishment process and diploma system in detail.

'GİRNE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY HAD NO EQUIVALENCY IN TURKEY'

In his testimony, Özalp Tozan stated that they founded Girne American University together with Serhat Akpınar in 1986. Explaining that the university operated within a structure affiliated with Southeastern University in the United States, Tozan said that there were no equivalency applications in Turkey at that time.

“Between 1986 and 1992, when I was in management, Girne American University had no equivalency in Turkey. Diplomas were issued by Southeastern University in the United States,” said Tozan, noting that students enrolled knowing this situation.

'THE UNIVERSITY COULD NOT PRINT ITS OWN DIPLOMAS'

Tozan emphasized that Girne American University did not print its own diplomas at that time, and all graduation documents were approved by Southeastern University, which came from the USA.

“We did not have equivalency in Turkey in those years, but benefits were derived through the equivalency of the university in America,” said Tozan, stating that this situation was also known by the students.

'I DO NOT KNOW İMAMOĞLU'

Özalp Tozan stated that he has no personal connection with Ekrem İmamoğlu and does not know why he was included in the list of people to be questioned.

“I absolutely do not know him personally. I don't know why such a thing was written. Istanbul University also never called me about this matter,” said Tozan, adding that he had many students who enrolled in the university during that period and it was not possible for him to remember them all.

'TRANSFERS FROM A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY TO A STATE UNIVERSITY WERE NOT POSSIBLE'

Emphasizing that Girne American University was not a foundation university but a private corporate university at that time, Tozan stated that it was therefore not possible for students to transfer to state universities.

“Girne American University was a university established by a private company. I do not understand how transfers to state universities in Turkey could have been made,” he said, expressing his bewilderment regarding the matter.

Tozan added that he did not know or remember any student who transferred to Istanbul University.

'I DID NOT PROVIDE REFERENCES FOR ANYONE'

Özalp Tozan stated that he did not provide references for anyone and that he always clearly stated that the university had no equivalency in Turkey, adding, “My only goal was to contribute to Cyprus economically.”

News Source: 12punto