Associate Professor Akaki Tsomaia has responded sharply to recent statements by Deputy Education Minister Zviad Gabisonia, arguing that the public debate over university admission reforms reflect deeper problems within the education system. Tsomaia said he would support a document drafted by education experts that shows the ‘tragic consequences of educational distortion,’ noting that such a text is urgently needed.
His remarks follow Gabisonia’s conflicting explanations about the proposed admissions model. The Deputy Minister initially suggested students would no longer be able to choose multiple universities or faculties. He later clarified that applicants’ lists would remain unchanged but programs duplicated across several state universities in Tbilisi, such as multiple law faculties, would be merged under a ‘one city, one faculty’ principle.
Tsomaia argued that the Ministry’s handling of criticism has also been problematic. He stated that Gabisonia downplayed objections from professors by claiming only a few academics were concerned, a stance Tsomaia views as dismissive of broader systemic issues. He added that many faculty members affected by the reform lack access to adequate academic resources, yet are expected to navigate major policy changes without support.
