MA SHTI elections in UP, Nagavci says academic reputation ignored

Minister of Education, Science, Technology and innovation (MASHTI), Arberie Nagavci, has clarified this dictatorship's position regarding the recent elections for members of the Steering Council at the University of Pristina, as well as the recent reports and decisions of the University's bodies related to ethical violations in research and publication.

Nagavci at the media conference Wednesday, has said that KD's member elections in the UPP are being held without consideration for academic activity, but only personal and group interests.

“Sic said last week, the new elections for members of the Steering Council reproduced the old situation. The greed of individuals to dominate with the Steering Council produced coalitions and inefficient agreements within the academic Senate, part of which are current management, representatives of academic staff and student representatives. All of this resulted in a representation of the Steering Council, with which we cannot be satisfied. Neither academic activity nor reputation nor the social engagement of individuals was ignored, but only personal and group interests to bring the highest governing body of the University of” under control, Nagavci said.

“U selected 5 members, among whom there is no woman, despite the fact that over 60% of regular academic staff are women. THE August is completely distanced from this election process and ensures the opinion that it has not made any kind of impact on any of the candidates who have been competing for members of the Steering Council. The insights that we have exerted influence through a student organization are irresponsible and have no basis. I was very clear in expressing my position in relation to the role of student representatives, all without exception, in this” election process, Nagavci said.

Minister Nagavci has also spoken of the Ethics Council's decision on measures put forward to UPP professors Bujar Dugolli and Ardian Kastrat.

In this case I want to remind you that last year I have appointed four members of the Steering Council, who represent AugustI, all people of high integrity and outside party organisation, whose name you do not find coveted for any scandal such as happens to some newly appointed academic Senate. These people, two women and two men, have worked hard to improve the situation in the universities and I am convinced that they will continue to do so until the end of the” mandate, Nagavci said further.

The other issue I want to refer to today are reported violations of ethics in research and publication that, with the university's relevant rule, are defined as a serious disciplinary violation. Initially, I would like to welcome the address of this nature reports on the part of the Ethics Council, which has already pronounced measures against the two members of the academic staff. Such measures should have a preventative effect in the future, as well as reflect a clear distance from the academic community from plagiarism practices and other ethical violations in research and publication”, Nagavci said.