7 million TL renovation for the Rector's office! Higher Education Council (YÖK) responds: 'No action necessary'

It has emerged that Kayseri University Rector Kurtuluş Karamustafa had his office at the university extensively renovated last year, with a total of 7 million TL spent on the project. While the renovation costs sparked public debate, the matter was reported to the YÖK Supervisory Board by former Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Deputy Chairman Hasan Kulaksız.

Questioning whether the cost of the renovation and the luxury items purchased were covered by public funds, Kulaksız requested an official response, stating: "Did the Rector transform an 88-square-meter office, a 64-square-meter restroom, and a private bathroom into a VIP office with glass walls and luxury furniture using a budget that belongs to the students?"

Following the complaint, the YÖK Supervisory Board examined the issue. In the written response sent by the board, details regarding the renovation were provided. It was stated that the work covered electrical and mechanical installation tasks as well as the purchase of necessary office furniture, and that all operations were carried out using a turnkey lump-sum contract method.

Furthermore, it was stated that the tender for the repair and renovation of the Kayseri University rectorate floor was conducted via direct procurement, and that the administration exercised its discretionary power in this regard. As a result of all findings, YÖK decided that there was no need to take any action against Rector Karamustafa.

Although this decision has been criticized due to the nature of the renovation and the scale of the expenditure, the public was informed that YÖK did not detect any irregularities within the framework of current legislation.