Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to the Republic of Azerbaijan Dan Iancu on January 10. They discussed Azerbaijani-Romanian relations in the field of education and prospects for cooperation in accordance with the tasks set by the “State Strategy for Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan”.

11/01/2017 10:21

Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences hosted a general meeting of ANAS and a joint scientific session of the Presidium of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 21. President of ANAS Akif Alizade made opening remarks at the event. He gave a paper on “Science and education: problems and prospects”. Academician Akif Alizade said scientific and educational integration has been among key priorities in the reforms conducted at the academy. “Nearly 20 basic departments of several higher education institutions have been established at some institutes and organizations of ANAS, memorandums of cooperation on joint development of specialists have been signed.” Academician Akif Alizade said the launch of a master`s program at ANAS is one of the most important accomplishments in scientific and educational integration. Akif Alizade said students at SABAH groups are provided with internship at research institutions of ANAS. He pointed to continuous measures taken to establish educational departments in research institutions of the academy. The president of ANAS emphasized the necessity of taking systematic efforts to ensure scientific and educational integration in Azerbaijan. Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted the role of scientific and educational integration in ensuring sustainable development in Azerbaijan. The minister noted that today`s joint event at the level of management of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences and the Ministry of Education is of special importance. Mikayil Jabbarov said the event provided a good opportunity to discuss the role of science and education in ensuring sustainable development in the country, reforms and ways of addressing problems in this sphere. The minister said the discussions to be held and decisions to be made at this event will encourage the strengthening of cooperation and ensure integration in the fields of science and education both at local and international levels. Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said improving the quality of education and research, preparing highly-qualified specialists and scientists is the first task in developing education and science in Azerbaijan. “Educational institutions in our country should stimulate modern thinking in youth, involve them in research-oriented activity and encourage them to use advanced technologies and learn foreign languages.” The minister of education highlighted the establishment of technoparks, startup schools and business incubators, saying this contributes to the development of activities of scientists. Mikayil Jabbarov said the creation of research universities is the new task facing higher education institutions at the modern stage. “It is impossible to make outstanding scientific achievements without quality education. Education system should be open to scientific innovations, scientific discoveries,” the minister of education added. The event then featured discussions, which were followed by the adoption of a decision of the scientific session. Speakers at the scientific session included vice president of ANAS Dilgam Taghiyev, rector of Baku State University Abel Maharramov, academician, member of parliament Ahliman Amiraslanov, academic secretary of ANAS Rasim Aliguliyev, rector of Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University Mustafa Babanli, director of ANAS Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies Irada Huseynova, and rector of Azerbaijan State Economic University Adalat Muradov.

22/12/2016 14:00

An information session has been held for students of SABAH groups of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan at Azerbaijani-German Cultural Center, Kapellhaus. Participants in the event included the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) coordinator for Azerbaijan Stefanie Dufaux, DAAD employee Rena Huseynova, head of the German language center Zahra Aliyeva, head of SABAH groups Executive Committee Shahin Seyidzade and manager for student affairs Mehriban Nazarova. The session provided an insight into the teaching of German language for 2nd year SABAH students as part of cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service and German language center as well as opportunities for education in Germany through DAAD scholarship programs. SABAH students were also informed of the advantages offered them and requirements for admission to summer schools and master’s programs in Germany.

21/12/2016 10:41

The 70th anniversary of Baku Slavic University was celebrated on December 16. Participants of the ceremony first visited the Alley of Honors to place a wreath at the grave of national leader Heydar Aliyev. They also put flowers at the grave of outstanding ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva. The ceremony was held at the auditorium of Baku Slavic University. Participants in the event included Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov, president of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences Akif Alizade, members of parliament, and delegates from Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Belarus, Czech Republic and other countries. Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov hailed Baku Slavic University`s role in preparing highly-qualified specialists in Azerbaijan, and developing the country`s international cooperation in the field of education. BSU rector Nurlana Aliyeva highlighted the history of Baku Slavic University, and the higher education institution`s role in the upbringing of the young generation. Other speakers congratulated the university staff and wished them success in their educational activities. Minister Mikayil Jabbarov presented high state awards to employees of the university in accordance with the order of the President of Azerbaijan. The participants of the ceremony watched a video on the activity of Baku Slavic University.

19/12/2016 10:55

  The Board of Directors of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA) has approved the request of the Accreditation and Nostrification Office of the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan to become an affiliate of ENQA. In 2005 the Azerbaijani government joined the Bologna Declaration, committing itself to ensuring integration of Azerbaijani higher education institutions into the European Higher Education Area, and improving the quality of education in line with requirements of the labour market. This commitment is also stipulated in the “State Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan”. The status of an affiliate within ENQA gives Azerbaijan the opportunity to benefit from European cooperation in the field of quality assurance in higher education. It will also help Azerbaijan build a modern accreditation system in line with the Standards and Guidelines for quality assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG). Following the Recommendation of the Council on European co-operation in quality assurance in higher education and the Bologna Declaration, ENQA was established in 2000 as the European Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education to promote European cooperation in the field of quality assurance. It is an umbrella organization which represents its members at the European level and internationally, and promotes European cooperation in the field of quality assurance in higher education. ENQA has (http://www.enqa.eu/index.php/enqa-agencies/affiliates/) 49 members representing 27 countries, and 53 affiliates representing 31 countries.

19/12/2016 10:54

The 13th International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) has been held in Bali, Indonesia. Six Azerbaijani pupils participated in the Olympiad that brought together students from 48 countries. Student of Sumgayit city gymnasium specializing in natural sciences Gunel Hasanova, student of Istedad lyceum Shabnam Nabizade, student of Baku city Ecological lyceum No 291 Turan Bayramli, and students of Istak lyceum Turan Mammadli and Ramil Babazade grabbed bronze medals at the Olympiad. The Olympiad covered physics, chemistry and biology and featured three stages – test, theoretical examination and practical examination. Azerbaijan selected the students that competed in IJSO through examinations at Olympiad preparation centers in November. The selected children received intensive trainings.

14/12/2016 11:45

Prime Minister of the State of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu has visited Chabad Ohr Avner Jewish educational center in Baku. The 450-seat center for Jewish children was built by Ohr Avner Foundation under the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s project in 2010. Speaking at a ceremony to welcome Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli ambassador in Baku Dan Stav said the Israeli Prime Minister`s meeting with Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev in 1997 played an exceptional role in strengthening relations between the two countries. He expressed his confidence that Benjamin Netanyahu`s visit will contribute to expanding Israel-Azerbaijan cooperation. The ambassador described Azerbaijan as an important partner of Israel. He also hailed tolerance in Azerbaijan, saying there have never been any cases of anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan. “Jews have always lived here in an environment of friendship and brotherhood.” Azerbaijani education minister Mikayil Jabbarov said Hebrew is taught at educational institutions in the country. He hailed the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s role in building Jewish educational centers in Azerbaijan. Minister Jabbarov described Chabad Ohr Avner school as a vivid example of promotion of tolerance and respect for other religions and people. He praised Azerbaijan-Israel cooperation in a variety of areas, particularly in education. The minister highlighted the values of tolerance in Azerbaijan. He said 2016 was declared the year of multiculturalism in the country. Head of the Community of Azerbaijan’s Mountain Jews Milikh Yevdayev described Benjamin Netanyahu`s visit to Azerbaijan as a historic event. He said Jews have lived in peace in Azerbaijan for centuries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the attitude to Jews in Azerbaijan. He praised the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s contribution to developing education for Jews. Benjamin Netanyahu also highlighted Israel-Azerbaijan cooperation in the field of education.   AZERTAC 

14/12/2016 11:37

For the information of residents of Sabirabad, Saatli, Imishli districts and the city of Shirvan! In accordance with December 2016 timetable of reception hours of government executives, Minister of Education Mikayil Jabbarov will receive residents of Sabirabad, Saatli, Imishli districts and the city of Shirvan at the Heydar Aliyev Center in the city of Imishli at 13.00 on December 15. IDPs with temporary residence in Sabirabad, Saatli, Imishli districts and the city of Shirvan can also attend the reception. The citizens who want to attend may contact the Call Center of the Ministry of Education (hotline – 146) or register at http://edu.gov.az/en/contacts/request on December 9, 12, 13, 14. Those registered are requested to present, upon their arrival, a written description of the issues they plan to raise during the reception.

12/12/2016 12:37

“Bir” Student-Volunteer Program of the Ministry of Education organized the second Forum of Azerbaijani Student Volunteers on December 9. The forum marked the International Volunteer Day. Participants in the event included minister of education Mikayil Jabbarov, minister of youth and sport Azad Rahimov, chairman of the State Agency for Public Services and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Inam Karimov, parliament members, rectors of higher education institutions, representatives of international organizations, student volunteers and media representatives. The forum started with the playing of the state anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The participants then watched a promotional video highlighting the previous forum and work done. The anthem of student volunteers was played. Minister of education Mikayil Jabbarov greeted the participants of the forum. He emphasized the significance of the event in terms of the development of volunteer movement and active involvement of students in public life. The minister said “our primary task is to bring up a generation that is ready for the global world, that is well-educated, innovative and protects national values”. Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said volunteer movement is a relatively new phenomenon for Azerbaijan. He said that the President of Azerbaijan puts special emphasis on the activities of volunteers. The minister highlighted the contributions of volunteers to the organization of numerous high-profile events in Azerbaijan in the past years. “The activity of student volunteers should not be confined to involvement in important events as it may include several permanent projects. Volunteers may come up with their own initiatives in different areas such as studying and re-discovering our historical legacy and monuments, protecting environment and encouraging healthy lifestyle.” The minister of education thanked the organizations supporting and cooperating with “Bir” Student-Volunteer Program, and wished student volunteers success. Minister of youth and sport Azad Rahimov, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme Alessandro Fracassetti hailed active involvement of student volunteers in the internationally important events held in Azerbaijan.   The event then featured a ceremony to present partnership certificates to the organizations cooperating with “Bir” Student-Volunteer Program. After the awarding ceremony, student volunteers performed famous “Talaba” (“Student”) song. An initiative of the Ministry of Education, “Bir” is a long-term student-volunteer program aimed at encouraging students to engage in cultural and public life of the country. Over 7,000 volunteers of “Bir” Student-Volunteer Program representing 17 educational institutions in 6 districts of the country have contributed to 63 events so far. Formula One Grand Prix of Europe in Baku involved 1147 student volunteers.

12/12/2016 10:52

The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan State Physical Culture and Sport Academy and British Council signed a protocol of intent on cooperation on December 6. Participants in the event included Deputy Minister of Education Firudin Qurbanov, rector of the academy Fuad Hajiyev, British Council Azerbaijan Director Elizabeth White, chairman of Sport for Development Public Union Mehman Karimov, and representatives of several non- governmental organizations. The event featured the screening of a short movie on assessment of TOPs program for creation of modern educational technology in physical education. Deputy Minister of Education Firudin Qurbanov said key priorities in modern education include protection of physical and psychological health conditions of schoolchildren, improving training achievements through physical culture and sports. He said the project is implemented under the “State Strategy for Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan”. The deputy minister noted that the scope of TOPs program is broadening every year.  “More than 320 physical education teachers as well as more than 100,000 schoolchildren representing 72 secondary schools will benefit from the project in the 2016-2017 academic year,” said Firudin Qurbanov. Rector of Azerbaijan State Physical Culture and Sport Academy Fuad Hajiyev said although the program now involves only graduates we plan to include TOPs methodology in the academy`s curriculum in the years ahead. British Council Azerbaijan Director Elizabeth White highlighted the organization`s cooperation with the Ministry of Education. She said that launched in 2014, TOPs program was of special importance among joint projects.  The ceremony then featured the awarding of certificates and gifts to winners in “The best open class” and “The best sport festival” nominations. State officials and guests then toured the academy, and viewed volunteer registration camp of the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games here.

07/12/2016 14:26