Based on this information, write a new short title in English: President Tatar: We created a brand in higher education. I don’t think we deserve to be criticized and harassed so much – BRTK

President Ersin Tatar noted that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has created a brand in higher education and said, “Let’s not wear ourselves out any further, I don’t think we deserve this much criticism and this much wear and tear.”

Emphasizing that higher education is a very valuable and important sector for the country, Tatar said, “I am ready to do whatever is necessary to preserve the quality and hope of the sector.”

The Interuniversity Academic Coordination Board (ÜAKK) meeting was hosted by the Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Board (YÖDAK) with the participation of President Ersin Tatar.

At the meeting held this afternoon in the Court of Accounts Meeting Hall, the rectors of the universities and the members elected by the universities for the Interuniversity Academic Coordination Board, consisting of professors, were present.

YÖDAK President Aykut Hocanın, who took the first floor at the meeting, informed President Tatar and the participants about the latest developments regarding the European Quality Assurance Association (ENQA), which is a member of the organizations that evaluate universities in terms of quality.

Noting that YÖDAK has been an observer member of ENQA since 2007, Hocanın said that applications for membership are renewed every 5 years, and that they made the necessary application last February, but it was not processed.

Stating that they received a letter from ENQA, in which it was stated that one of the members objected to the renewal of YÖDAK’s observer membership, Aykut Hocanın also addressed the allegations regarding the arrest of the former YÖDAK President, the diploma investigation carried out at a university, the arrival of international students to the island and their association with human trafficking. He shared that information was requested.

He shared that the teacher informed the President, the Minister of National Education and the Director of the Department of Higher Education about this issue and explained the work of YÖDAK, the newly established Higher Education Information System (YÖKSİS) and the number of students in their response letters.

Stating that in the second letter they received from ENQA, they asked for more information especially about international students and YÖKSİS, Aykut Hodja stated that he conveyed the information he shared in both letters to the ENQA President and some board members in Malta, where he went to attend the ENQA General Assembly.

Stating that the ENQA President conveyed the objections made on behalf of YÖDAK to the board of directors, and that the vote regarding the removal of YÖDAK from observer membership was withdrawn from the agenda of the General Assembly, Hoca said, “They expressed that they appreciated that the studies would take time, and made a suggestion that we could re-apply to ENQA when we completed them. “They were found,” he said.

-Tatar

In his speech, President Ersin Tatar pointed out the role of higher education in economic development and promotion of TRNC and said that the damage to the sector and loss of reputation is the biggest evil done to the country.

Tatar also pointed out that nearly 200 thousand foreign students graduated from universities in TRNC and continued as follows:

“Those who say that fake diplomas were distributed are betraying all of us and doing a disservice to this country. There are such headlines and statements that it seems like everyone is making this mistake together. There is no such thing. If there is a mistake, it is clear where and how. Research is also being done. If there are vulnerabilities, precautions are taken regarding them. With what sacrifices do these children continue their education here? Any false news that comes out is unfair to them. Yes, there may have been some troubles, and those who deserve it will receive the necessary punishments.

Noting that universities are not easily established, that distinguished and important people have been teaching here for years, and that there is 45 years of experience in higher education, Ersin Tatar stated that the sector’s contribution to the country’s economy is around one billion dollars a year.

Tatar said, “It is our duty to further expand this sector. This sector is very valuable and important to us. “Politicians should also consider the interests and future of the sector in their statements… Statements should be measured,” he said.

Emphasizing that some universities have become competitive with universities in the world with their education and investments, Tatar continued as follows:

“TRNC has created a brand in higher education. Tourism is also a brand, but in my opinion, our brand in education is even more valuable. I am ready to do whatever is necessary to preserve the quality and hope of the industry. “Let’s not wear ourselves out any further, I don’t think we deserve this much criticism and this much wear and tear.”

President Ersin Tatar also said that the Greek Cypriots always work to hinder the Turkish Cypriot people and continued as follows:

“They are ready to use every opportunity to undermine the TRNC and its sectors and to make any attempt to harm us. This is our reality. There’s nothing can be done. The relations we establish with them in the diplomatic field will not fix this. Because their intentions are completely different… We have to be careful not to make mistakes. We have to be careful about this in order not to cause trouble for Southern Cyprus.”

Referring to the hot developments in the nearby geography, Ersin Tatar said that the students who will come to Cyprus also take these into consideration and said, “We have been through many crises, hopefully these will be left behind.”