According to the Rector of Georgian Technical University (GTU), Academician Davit Gurgenidze, he will agree to the merger of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Georgian Technical University if it proves beneficial for the university and the country.

The rector stated that internal discussions have already begun at the Technical University with deans, the Academic Council, and faculty members, after which the university’s position will be formulated.

“Today I have meetings scheduled with the university’s deans and the Academic Council. The discussion concerns the merger of Georgian Technical University and Tbilisi State University-specifically the law school, the economics school, as well as the engineering and technology school. The focus is on strengthening these schools and increasing salaries. Of course, we agree with many things, and many issues still need clarification. Today we will meet with the staff. The staff will also meet with our professors, because, as you know, the Technical University is a state within a state, so it is not a simple institution. With all due respect to my beloved TSU, GTU is larger in terms of its scientific centers and academic staff. Therefore, we will meet, discuss, and present our decision to the Minister of Education and the Government of Georgia. We will continue the reform calmly and honestly,” Gurgenidze said.

According to the rector, reform of universities is necessary and should be tailored both to academic staff and students.

He also noted that the current tuition fee of 2,250 GEL is insufficient for the financial sustainability of universities, although with existing resources universities have managed to achieve significant results internationally.

“Reform is necessary. I have spoken about this many times with the Prime Minister and members of Parliament. With a tuition fee of 2,250 GEL, universities have achieved a lot. Imagine-there are 40-45 thousand universities worldwide, and all four of our universities are ranked within the top 700. A fee of 2,250 GEL is very small and insufficient for the existence of a university.

If reforms are not carried out, in 10 years universities will face serious difficulties in attracting a young generation of lecturers. Reform must be adapted to people and to students.

If the merger is good for the university and the country, of course I will agree. The government has already made a decision and is awaiting our consultations. This is not Saakashvili’s government that would stand up and do something with a single stroke and ‘wipe someone out.’ This is a different government-we believe this and will prove it through consultations,” the rector said.