Problems in education addressed at the TÜMÖD General Assembly

The Association of All Academic Staff (TÜMÖD) drew attention to critical problems in Turkey's education system in a declaration published following its 20th Ordinary General Assembly held on January 27, 2026. Stating that the momentum in education must be maintained with the newly elected board of directors, TÜMÖD brought the fundamental issues that need to be resolved in the field of education to the agenda.

PRIVATIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF EDUCATION

TÜMÖD emphasized that privatization and commercialization in education have become an increasingly growing problem. Stating that private high schools and foundation universities, in particular, pose an obstacle to social justice, the association expressed that the education system has been transformed in favor of the children of wealthy and affluent families.

"Private schools, which open for children of wealthy families who cannot get into high-ranking schools, are reinforcing this situation with foundation universities," it was stated. Furthermore, the increase in injustices regarding the admission of foreign students was also criticized. The association stated that these inequalities experienced between domestic and foreign students negatively affect the education system.

THE RISING INFLUENCE OF FOUNDATION UNIVERSITIES

TÜMÖD expressed that foundation universities have replaced state universities and that the facilities provided to them are far greater than those provided to state universities. "It is quite difficult to find a logic to explain the resources the political power provides to foundation universities while leaving state universities in scarcity," the statement read.

ATTACKS ON SECULARISM AND SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION

The association's declaration also included the negative effects of developments in our country and the region on education. In particular, the desire to put an end to secular, scientific, and contemporary education was harshly criticized by TÜMÖD. The association pointed out that views such as the "idea of transitioning to the Ottoman Millet System" threaten modernism in education.

THE PROBLEM OF MERITOCRACY IN UNIVERSITIES

TÜMÖD stated that staff positions are opened and appointments are made in universities without respect for the principles of merit. Emphasizing that lack of merit has become a serious problem, the association noted, "Some deans have no connection whatsoever to the faculties they are appointed to." It expressed that this situation leads to a decline in the quality of universities and that appointments have become even more problematic in an environment where unemployment is rising.

APPOINTMENTS WITH FAKE DIPLOMAS

Attention was drawn to the use of fake diplomas, particularly in the appointment of academic staff. Stating that some faculty members hold positions with forged documents, it was expressed that stronger measures must be taken against this situation. TÜMÖD announced that it will continue its efforts to ensure transparency and justice by showing the necessary sensitivity on this matter.

The declaration underlined that the reflections of the 'Neo-Ottomanism' understanding on the education system are deeply concerning. It was stated that major projects in the region carry long-term goals aimed at changing the country's educational structure. It was expressed that such projects pose a serious threat to a rational and contemporary education system. Defending national solidarity and scientific development, TÜMÖD reiterated its determination to stand against these threats.

In its declaration, TÜMÖD once again emphasized the importance of national solidarity, stating, "These lands have been adorned with the victory flowers of the righteous and the oppressed. With our national solidarity and camaraderie, and our determination for rational development, it will remain so." The association invited all academics and university teaching staff to unite to remove the obstacles in front of scientific development and contemporary education.

News Source: 12punto