Minister Yusuf Tekin on 'Letter to Atatürk' competition: We will not grant the right to do such a thing

Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin, who came to Van to attend various openings and programs, participated in the 'Specialization Academy '26' program organized by the Turkey Youth Foundation (TÜGVA) at the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University (YYÜ) Cengiz Andiç Culture Center.

Stating that there were approximately 330 thousand classrooms in Turkey in 2002 and that half of them had completed their economic life, Minister Tekin said, "So how many classrooms do we have today?

We have approximately 750 thousand classrooms. In other words, in addition to the 150 thousand classrooms remaining from before 2002, approximately 600 thousand more classrooms have been built.

Thanks to this, the number of students per classroom is not 45-50, but in the 20s across different levels. In terms of this indicator, we are above OECD averages," he said.

"WE WILL NOT GRANT THE RIGHT TO DO SUCH A THING"

Speaking about the allegations that the ministry banned a competition on Atatürk in schools, Minister Tekin continued as follows:

"The truth is this; as the Ministry of National Education, we have our principles when we cooperate with any Non-Governmental Organization, including TÜGVA.

We write down the principles of the rule of law. We say, 'Let's work together, but I have principles. Look, my principles are here. Our Constitution, our Basic Law on National Education, our legislation. If you are going to do work in accordance with this, come, let's do it together.'

Now a union comes out and says, 'I will hold a competition at school.' We have suggested 7 things to them for this competition. You must comply with these. When will you hold this competition? What is the prize? What is the budget? Will you collect money from students? Let's write these down clearly.

'I am not writing them down. You cannot interfere with me, nor can you ban it. I will hold this competition at school.' This is not a banana republic or anything.

This is the Republic of Turkey and we are a state of law.

All non-governmental organizations that operate by complying with legal procedures are held in high esteem. We work with all of them, but excuse me, we will not grant the right to do such a thing in a way that is incompatible with the rule of law and the law."

News Source: 12punto