Istanbul University in trouble over İmamoğlu's diploma: Under investigation

On March 18, 2025, the Istanbul University Faculty of Business Administration issued a decision to cancel the diplomas of 28 graduates, including IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, citing an 'obvious error'.

The appeal filed by İmamoğlu against the cancellation of his diploma was rejected by the court. Although the court acknowledged that Istanbul University had made an error during the lateral transfer process, the graduates were the ones penalized.

The diploma cancellation decision sparked significant political debate. Following the backlash, applications were filed against the cancellation of Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma, and the matter was referred to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), an organization that provides global accreditation for business schools.

Journalist İsmail Saymaz announced during a broadcast on Halk TV that an investigation had been launched into Istanbul University by the AACSB.

Saymaz stated, "When Istanbul University cancelled Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma 33 years later, a group filed a complaint. This organization is one of the most prestigious global accreditors in the field of business and management, and the Istanbul University Faculty of Business Administration is accredited by them."

ACTION TAKEN AFTER İMAMOĞLU'S DIPLOMA CANCELLATION

Saymaz explained the grounds for the application as follows: "Following the cancellation of Ekrem İmamoğlu's diploma, this application was made on the grounds that Istanbul University did not comply with academic and scientific standards. The application was filed by a group of activists in the United States and the 'March 19' platform established by the Republican People's Party (CHP). The platform conveyed this situation to the AACSB through Turkish academics in Turkey."

The AACSB accepted the application and initiated an investigation. Stating that this development is a major step, Saymaz noted that the revocation of the Istanbul University Faculty of Business Administration's accreditation is a possibility in the coming days.

It was stated that the investigation process is ongoing and could conclude in the coming weeks.