Education Minister granted authority to dissolve universities

The authority to dissolve universities has been transferred to the Minister of Education and Training, a significant change from the previous system where the Minister could only suspend training activities or dissolve branch campuses.

This provision is part of Government Resolution 23, issued on 29/4, which focuses on reducing, decentralizing, and simplifying administrative procedures, as well as easing business conditions under the purview of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Specifically, the head of the education sector now holds the authority to decide on the dissolution of higher education institutions and their branch campuses. Previously, this power rested with the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Education and Training was only authorized to dissolve university branch campuses.

This change significantly streamlines the university dissolution process. Previously, after receiving an application, the Ministry of Education and Training had 30 days to collaborate with relevant ministries and agencies to conduct an appraisal, prepare a report, and then submit it to the Prime Minister for a final decision on dissolution.

Regarding the new procedure, the managing body of a public university, or the organizations, individuals, and university councils of private universities, must submit a dissolution request through the National Public Service Portal or directly to the Ministry of Education and Training. The Ministry will then review the application within 15 days, issue a dissolution decision, and make it public.

Following dissolution, the state will reclaim land associated with public universities.

Furthermore, regulations stipulate that a university or branch campus may be dissolved if it: seriously violates legal provisions regarding operational management and organization; fails to address the underlying issues after a period of suspended training activities; or if its operational objectives and content no longer align with the economic and social development needs of the nation and its localities.

Universities can also be dissolved at the request of their founding organizations or individuals. Additionally, institutions that fail to meet the commitments outlined in their establishment plan within 5 years of their founding are subject to dissolution.