The Ministry of Education and Science is changing its approaches to reforming the network of higher education institutions in accordance with the recommendations of the Accounting Chamber

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MES) has begun implementing the recommendations of the Accounting Chamber, provided based on the results of the performance audit on the topic of "Problems of the network of higher education institutions: continue to maintain or reform". In particular, MES is preparing legislative amendments to create the prerequisites for the modernization of the network of higher education institutions (HEIs) and is developing criteria for making decisions on their reorganization.

The audit established the ineffectiveness of the MES's activities in reforming universities in the period from 2021 to September 2024. Decisions to reorganize individual institutions were made on a case-by-case basis, without proper justification and consultations. As a result, the reform process faced resistance from teachers and students. In addition, the institutions mostly did not receive investment packages from the World Bank, which were supposed to stimulate universities to reorganize.

The Accounting Chamber provided the Ministry of Education and Science with a number of recommendations, the implementation of which was supposed to make the reorganization process more regulated and decision-making more justified.

In order to implement the recommendations, the Ministry of Education and Science initiated the updating of strategic documents in the field of higher education. In particular, draft amendments to the Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in Ukraine for 2022-2032 and the operational plan for its implementation for 2025-2028 were developed. A draft Law of Ukraine “On Amendments to Certain Laws of Ukraine (Regarding the Creation of Prerequisites for the Modernization of the Network of Educational Institutions)” has also been prepared, which provides for the exclusion of sectoral state bodies from the sphere of management of civilian HEIs. The exceptions will be medical and artistic institutions. Both documents are being approved.

At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Science has begun to form new approaches to the modernization of the HEI network: the criteria by which decisions will be made on the expediency of reorganizing institutions are being analyzed, and a draft roadmap and medium-term plan for the modernization of the HEI network are being developed. The Ministry of Education and Science has also introduced the practice of discussing reorganization plans with the management of HEIs.

The Accounting Chamber continues to monitor and analyze the implementation of the recommendations provided in this audit and will inform the public about its results.

Previously, the Accounting Chamber's Report on the Results of the Performance Audit on the topic "Problems of the Network of Higher Education Institutions: Continue to Maintain or Reform" was considered during a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Committee on Education, Science and Innovations.

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