Shamsaddin Hajiyev: "New education law doesn't envisage post-graduate study"

As APA reports, Head of the Parliament standing commission Shamsaddin Hajiyev said that the draft law on education will be submitted to the Parliament after remarks, suggestions on the bill are considered.

"The draft law is likely to be discussed in the first reading in the second half of May," the parliamentarian said.

Hajiyev also said that the previously implemented measures were taken into account during the reconsideration of the draft law.

"However, a lot of changes have happened since that time, which are sure to be taken into consideration while drawing up the bill. Therefore, it will be put up for the first reading again. The bill, however, cannot be considered as completely reconsidered," the MP said.

The Head of the Commission disagrees to the opinions that corruption and other shortfalls will be removed by the new education bill.

"I do not agree to such interpretation. Any way, the draft law has been improved. There will be a real mechanism to fulfill the bill and remove shortfalls in educational sphere," he said.

Hajiyev also noted that the new education law envisages two stages of higher education-bachelor's and master's degrees. They will be followed by scientific education, "you will see how many stages it will consist of."

"The draft law does not envisage post-graduate study but doctor's degree. You will be informed about stages of doctor's degree during discussions."

Former MP and ex-Chairman of Parliament standing commission for science and education told APA that problems still exist.

Asgharov said discipline remains a serious problem in the educational sphere. The former parliamentarian said that there are three great obstacles to the adoption of the law now.

"Figures posing obstacles to the adoption of this law always existed. This is the struggle between innovation and oldness. I mean to say former administrator cannot possible by democrat today," he underlined.

Asgharov thinks that the bill would be adopted by political decision in the end.
"I don't think this draft law differs greatly from that drawn up during my chairmanship. The bill is sure to be renewed but, we brought modern nuances to the bill that meeting international standards. For instance, we proposed electing rector of the university. Only procedural amendment can be made to this issue, the idea will remain. Or, in Azerbaijan school leavers sit two exams-school-leaving exams and entrance exams two months later. It is not like in world countries-exams are conducted once. So, this is damage to our state' image when the results of the two state exams are contrary to each other," he underlined.

Asgherov suggests considering professorship as position not a degree.

"The deficiency of our schooling system is that establishment is funded but not activity. Allocations to educational institution should be done according to the number of teachers and students. Our schools need both grants and credits," the former MP said.