The Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia continues his engagements with representatives of state universities as part of the ongoing reform of the higher education system. This time Givi Mikanadze met with staff at Shota Meskhia Zugdidi State University, where he outlined the key directions of the reform process to both the administration and academic personnel.

He emphasised the development of new programmes aligned with labour market demands, alongside the importance of infrastructure improvements.

"Within the framework of the higher education reform, regional universities will have a specialised profile. From the next academic year, admissions to Zugdidi State University will predominantly focus on agricultural, pedagogical, and tourism programmes. Courses in other fields will be transferred to a supplementary mode. I want to emphasise that we will do our utmost to retain the academic staff, who play a vital role in the development of higher education institutions", - said the Minister.

The meeting was conducted in a question-and-answer format, allowing participants to seek comprehensive answers and express their views.

The session was also attended by Deputy Minister of Education, Zviad Gabisonia, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region Governor, David Verava, Zugdidi Mayor, David Kodua, Zugdidi State University Rector Teona Khupenia.