Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev has stated that universities in Baku will not be relocated, but student numbers will be reduced. In an interview with Trend, the minister noted that currently two-thirds of students study in Baku and its suburbs, while one-third study in regional universities.
Despite an increase in student numbers in recent years, the focus will be on improving quality by reducing enrollment. Regional universities are being strengthened: new campuses and branches are opening in Mingachevir, Karabakh, Nakhchivan, Lankaran, and Zagatala.
The minister emphasized that relocating established universities is not feasible; instead, student numbers will be decreased to boost quality. Tuition fees in Azerbaijan are low, which affects quality. SABAH groups are a key solution.
In some fields, regional universities provide higher quality education than those in Baku. Considering parents' reluctance to send children far away, educational opportunities in regions are being expanded.
