President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed ongoing structural changes and new leadership appointments within the national educational sector during a high-profile meeting held in New Tashkent on October 12. The remarks shed light on the strategic rationale behind appointing experienced regional administrator Erkinjon Turdimov to lead the newly integrated Ministry of Education and Science.

During his address, the head of state offered a critical perspective on the current correlation between the quantity of higher education institutions and the actual quality of graduates. It was strongly emphasized that universities must pivot away from mere quantitative expansion and clearly define their institutional targets regarding workforce preparation for specific economic demands.

Furthermore, the president highlighted Turdimov's extensive governance background across multiple regions, asserting that positioning such an experienced official with the status of first deputy prime minister signals a profound shift in national policy priorities toward education and healthcare. Oversight and execution of these vital sectors remain closely tied to overarching administrative monitoring.

The Ministry of Education and Science was recently established by consolidating the preschool and school education framework with the higher education and innovation structures. This institutional merger aims to streamline academic continuity from foundational learning to advanced scientific research under a unified management paradigm.

Source: www.gazeta.uz