The delegation from the Turkish Council for Higher Education (YÖK), which is in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to conduct technical work with YÖDAK (Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council) is continuing its contacts.
Within this framework, the YÖK delegation was received by Prime Minister Ünal Üstel on Tuesday.
Accompanying the delegation led by YÖK Deputy Chairman and Executive Board Member Haldun Göktaş, was Türkiye’s Ambassador to Lefkoşa Metin Feyzioğlu.
Attending the meeting held at the Prime Ministry’s Honour Hall were Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, MPs Ziya Öztürkler and Sıla Usar İncirli, Prime Ministry Undersecretary Hüseyin Cahitoğlu, and YÖDAK Chairman Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın.
Speaking, YÖK Deputy Chairman Prof. Dr. Haldun Göktaş stated that they had meetings with Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, YÖDAK President Aykut Hocanın, and universities.
Göktaş stated that during their time in the TRNC, they discussed with universities what technical teams could do and mentioned the necessity of joint work between YÖDAK and YÖK for improving oversight.
Also speaking Prime Minister Ünal Üstel emphasized the importance of what could be done to improve universities in the TRNC and the importance of joint work between YÖDAK and YÖK to enhance oversight.
Üstel highlighted that the TRNC is an island of universities and their goal is to elevate the country in this field.
He thanked Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Ambassador Feyzioğlu, and YÖK for supporting these efforts.
Ambassador Metin Feyzioğlu also spoke, stating that Vice President Yılmaz had responded very quickly to Üstel’s call and promised support, which was fulfilled.
Emphasizing the importance of protecting and strengthening TRNC institutions, Feyzioğlu said, “There may be wrongdoers, but the important thing is to protect, guard, and strengthen the system while pursuing those who disrupt it.”
Feyzioğlu also used the phrase “there should be no concerns about diploma security and seriousness.”
He congratulated Prime Minister Üstel for his prompt response and sensitivity to this issue, stating that the government did not turn away from this issue but rather pursued it.
Feyzioğlu mentioned that YÖK was here upon the request of the TRNC but emphasized that the primary responsibility lies with YÖDAK.