The merger of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Georgian Technical University (GTU) represents a conflict with longstanding educational traditions, and may be driven by interests in privatizing university buildings, education researcher Lela Chakhaia told journalists.

Chakhaia emphasized that both universities have centuries-old traditions, making a direct merger practically unimaginable.

“This is a battle against educational traditions. We need to understand who was involved in making this decision. Announcing that two universities with such a long history are merging is inconceivable. Likely, the underlying motive is the privatization of buildings. They claim there will be no cuts to quotas or staff, but I find that improbable. We will see once student quotas and the number of professors are announced. Merging two of the largest and oldest educational institutions is effectively a fight against education,” Chakhaia said.

For context, Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science, and Youth Givi Mikanadze stated that TSU and GTU will merge. A temporary governing body will be established by ministerial order, and acting rector and deputy rector positions will be appointed to oversee the reorganization process.