Students gathered in the courtyard of Ilia State University read a manifesto.

The students demand the cancellation of the Ministry of Education's decision.

The manifesto was signed by students and professors-teachers.

“We, the students of Ilia State University, stand before a historic moment when not only one institution, but the very future of academic freedom, critical thinking, and democratic society itself is called into question.

The ongoing political decision, which envisages limiting the university's autonomy or effectively abolishing it, is a systemic attack on the principles without which a university cannot exist. A university is not merely a building or an administrative unit; it is a space of freedom and a prerequisite for the country's development.

Our position is clear and well-argued: any attempt that restricts university autonomy contradicts both the foundations of a democratic state and the essence of modern education. That is why our main demand is the immediate withdrawal of the aforementioned reform and the full protection of university autonomy.

Our resistance is not spontaneous — it is a thoughtful, organized, and legitimate student protest in which participation is not a privilege, but a right.

We call on all students, academic staff, and citizens — join us. Everyone can contribute in their own way — whether through discussions in the auditorium, participation in debates, or standing on the streets.

Today we are on the path of consolidation and mobilization. This process will not be easy, but it is necessary. History shows that universities have always been at the forefront of change, and today this responsibility rests on us once again.

We are not demanding anything extraordinary. We are defending the minimum without which neither the university nor democracy can exist.

If we concede the universities today — tomorrow we will concede freedom.

Therefore, we state clearly: the university must remain free; the student voice must remain independent; and democracy must remain alive.

We will protect Ilia University! We will protect education!”

In addition, the rally participants announced a protest rally-march for March 9, which, according to the students' information, will also be joined by students from other universities.

For reference, the Minister of Education has named which state university will announce admissions for which faculties. Quotas have also been set for how many students the universities will admit.