A striking detail has emerged regarding the university diploma of Nimet Özdemir, who was elected as an Istanbul MP from the IYI Party list in the May 14, 2023 elections, and later joined the CHP before moving to the AKP. It has been learned that the university from which Özdemir claims to have graduated does not possess equivalence or accreditation in Turkey or internationally.
SHE STATED IN HER BIOGRAPHY THAT SHE IS A GRADUATE OF CONLEY UNIVERSITY
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) publishes the biographies submitted by MPs on its website without making any changes.
According to her biography in Parliament, Nimet Özdemir declares that she graduated from the Department of Political Science at "Conley University" with a bachelor's degree.
IT LACKS EQUIVALENCE AND ACCREDITATION
According to the information obtained, Conley University's academic equivalence is not recognized in any country, including Turkey. Furthermore, it was stated that the institution lacks accreditation in the US and is not recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).
It was learned that the university does not have any academic staff and that the educational process is conducted through PDF files uploaded to a system rather than physical or live online classes.
THE EDUCATION MODEL IS ENTIRELY ONLINE
On the university's Turkey page, it is stated that "Conley University's educational programs are prepared in a flexible structure according to the requirements of the business world, especially for working adults." While it is noted that the institution offers its courses only online, its address is listed as being in Hawaii.
On the other hand, the fact that the diploma in question is not accepted as valid by YÖK does not pose a legal obstacle in terms of parliamentary membership. According to current legislation, there is no requirement to be a university graduate to be elected as a member of parliament.
News Source: 12punto
