-
Protest at the Liberated University of Aleppo Against Marginalization by the Ministry of Higher Education
On Tuesday, the teaching and administrative staff at the University of Aleppo held a protest to express their rejection of what they described as the “Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s disregard for the university administration.” The demonstration comes as part of an escalating dispute between the university and the ministry, particularly after the ministry issued a statement announcing an urgent investigation into an alleged incident in which students were expelled from the Faculty of Medicine during exams for failing to pay tuition fees.
Protesters called on the Ministry of Higher Education to assume its responsibilities toward the university and to treat it as an official academic entity within government institutions, stressing the need for the ministry to uphold its obligations toward universities in the liberated areas.
In an escalation of events, Dr. Ahmad Bakkar, President of the University of Aleppo in the liberated areas, announced his resignation in protest against what he described as the ministry’s neglect of the university administration. He urged the strengthening of the university’s role as an independent academic institution.
Regarding the disputed incident, Minister of Higher Education Marwan Al-Halabi described what happened as “unacceptable in both form and substance,” stressing that preventing students from taking exams due to unpaid tuition fees is contrary to ministerial regulations. He fully denied — both personally and on behalf of the university — the accuracy of reports claiming that students had been expelled, labeling them as “false and unfounded.” He also expressed regret over the lack of communication with the ministry before public statements were issued, emphasizing that the upcoming official investigation will demonstrate the university’s adherence to its academic values.
In a subsequent development, Minister Marwan Al-Halabi began a visit to the city of Aleppo, where he is expected to meet with the university administration in the liberated areas to discuss the repercussions of the crisis and explore potential solutions.
