“None of the universities will lose its identity as a result of the merger. I believe this is an initiative that has no negative aspects,” said Parliament Vice-Speaker Nino Tsilosani while speaking about the merger of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and Georgian Technical University (GTU).

According to her, the main beneficiaries of this initiative will be the students themselves, as they will complete their studies under the name of Ivane Javakhishvili State University.

“I think this is an initiative that has no negative sides. The biggest beneficiaries and probably the happiest will be the students, because this is the merger of two important universities, and students will graduate and receive their diplomas under the name of Ivane Javakhishvili State University, which is one of the most prestigious names. I believe this will also be very important for lecturers and the academic community, as the name of Ivane Javakhishvili State University is something everyone can be proud of. All this is based on the understanding that none of the universities will lose its identity as a result of the merger. The technical fields will become one of TSU’s key components, and of course, all the good traditions that this university has had over a century will be fully preserved,” Tsilosani stated.

For reference, by government decision, Tbilisi State University and Georgian Technical University will be merged. To facilitate the merger, a temporary governing body - a council - will be established by ministerial order, and acting rectors and vice-rectors will be appointed to oversee the reorganization process.