The Academic Council of Georgian Technical University (GTU) has formally opposed any restriction of university autonomy, including a possible merger with Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU), calling on the government to halt the reorganization process until consultations are held and the university’s consent is obtained.
In a resolution adopted on February 5, the Academic Council stated that any merger carried out without the participation and approval of GTU’s governing bodies would constitute a violation of the principle of university autonomy. The statement refers to the government-initiated reforms to the Law on Higher Education, which include potential structural changes to higher education institutions.
Based on the resolution, the Academic Council calls on the Government of Georgia and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia to suspend the reorganization process until a thorough needs-based assessment is conducted and substantive discussions take place within the academic community.
While expressing full support for the government’s broader higher education reform agenda, the Academic Council emphasized that it does not agree with any form of restriction of university autonomy, including a merger implemented without the will of the university. The Council stressed that decisions taken without the involvement of the Academic Council, Senate, Student Self-Government, Faculty and Scientific Councils, research institutes, and the Rectorate would contradict the autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution of Georgia.
The statement notes that GTU remains ready to participate in discussions in any format, including detailed consultations on possible reforms, provided that the process respects constitutional principles, academic freedom, and institutional self-governance. The Council underlined that the goal of any reform should be the further strengthening of Georgia’s established engineering school.
The Georgian Technical University, founded over a century ago, is one of the country’s leading engineering and technical institutions. Recent government initiatives to reform the higher education system, including possible institutional mergers, have sparked debate within academic circles over governance, autonomy, and the long-term impact on specialized universities.
The resolution was adopted unanimously, with 36 votes in favor and none against. It may be appealed to the Tbilisi City Court within one month of publication.
