The Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ) 2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony was held with the participation of the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar.
Speaking at the ceremony, Özvar made evaluations regarding quality in higher education, the use of artificial intelligence, and international success goals, while YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik drew attention to the targeting of educational institutions in Gaza and the importance of the goal of a Terror-Free Turkey.
The opening program was attended by YÖK Executive Board members Mahmut Ak and Arif Bilgin, Istanbul Deputy Governor Avni Kula, Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, Esenler District Governor Süleyman Özçakıcı, Esenler District Director of National Education Feyzullah Sert, as well as students, academics, and numerous guests.
"Curricula should be simplified"
Stating that the quality of education in universities should be increased, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar requested that more space be given to practical applications in course programs. Özvar said, "We expect curricula and course structures in undergraduate education to be simplified. Reduce the course density in the curriculum. Theoretical courses should certainly exist, but planning should be done in a way that increases practical courses. We have taken the necessary measures to ensure that the same regulations are made for master's and doctoral degrees as well. Content repetitions should be reduced, and more space should be allocated to research, projects, and practical work."
Criticism of multiple-choice exams
Criticizing the prevalence of multiple-choice exams in universities, Özvar said that emphasis should be placed on methods that measure students' reasoning and problem-solving skills. Özvar stated, "We do not find the increasing prevalence of multiple-choice exams to be correct in terms of the quality of our higher education. We expect methods that reveal the student's thinking process and ability to justify their reasoning to be given more space."
"Turkey is in 15th place in the number of scientific publications"
Providing information regarding Turkey's scientific publication performance, Özvar stated that the country has risen to 15th place in the world in the number of articles and review-type publications. Expressing that the share of studies published in qualified journals has also increased, Özvar said, "We want our universities to advance their positions in international rankings and for at least two of our universities to be among the top 100 universities in the world."
Touching upon the importance of academic ethics and the protection of personal data in the use of artificial intelligence, Özvar requested that universities organize training for faculty members and that students clearly state when they utilize artificial intelligence in their work.
YTÜ Rector Debik: "In Gaza, young people are among the ruins of universities"
In his speech, YTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik drew attention to the destruction of educational institutions in Gaza. Stating that universities should defend the right to learn and human dignity, Debik said, "While we invite our students to our classrooms in safety today, young people of the same age in Gaza are looking for ways to continue their education among the ruins of universities. In the targeted educational institutions, the memory and future of a society are also under the rubble."
"A Terror-Free Turkey will contribute to education and science"
Stating that a Turkey where terrorism has ended and young people turn toward education and production is a common desire, Debik noted that the goal of a Terror-Free Turkey strengthens brotherhood. Debik said, "We see the goal of a Terror-Free Turkey as a will for a future that will strengthen our brotherhood and direct our country's resources to education, science, and production. What falls to us is to contribute to the construction of this future by establishing an academic climate that strengthens the sense of living together."
Stating that the goal of entering the top 100 universities in the world guides YTÜ's work, Debik emphasized the importance of quality in education and the international reputation of universities.
News Source: İHA
