Cahul university protest: City Hall offers 1 million lei, minister promises ten times more
Professors at the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University of Cahul (USBPHC), along with the local public administration, are opposing the Ministry of Education and Research (MEC)'s proposal to integrate the university into the Technical University of Moldova (UTM). They insist that USBPHC should remain an autonomous institution. In contrast, Minister Dan Perciun argues that integrating the Cahul university into UTM would attract investments, introduce new programs, and provide long-term stability.
The potential liquidation or absorption of the higher education institution in Cahul could have significant strategic consequences for the state and the southern region, warns university professor and PhD Anatol Petrencu, who is also a Doctor Honoris Causa of this university, in a public appeal.
"For the Republic of Moldova, the 'Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu' State University of Cahul holds strategic importance, similar to the 'Eugen Doga' International Airport in Chișinău, the State University of Moldova, or the Port of Giurgiulești," Petrencu writes.
He highlights the regional balance maintained by the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University of Cahul alongside the "Alecu Russo" State University of Bălți, stressing that the loss of a regional university would "provide fodder for propaganda portraying the Republic of Moldova as a bankrupt state."
Additionally, the historian refutes any notion that the institution lacks potential: "In Cahul, there are young people working in administration, customs, law enforcement, and at Giurgiulești Port who want to continue their studies here. Don't their opinions matter?"
The vice-rector for scientific and extracurricular activities at USBPHC, Ion Gheletchi, has expressed similar dissatisfaction regarding the lack of consultations about the proposed integration. He stated that the topic of integration arose suddenly and had never been discussed at the university before.
"Until November 9, we had no information at all. No candidate for the position of rector mentioned the merger. There were no discussions about closure or integration,” Gheletchi declared.
He also dismissed the notion that the university is “aging” or lacking in academic capacity, noting: “Over 60% of the teaching staff are under 45 years old, and they hold advanced degrees. These are individuals capable of developing the university.”
Gheletchi highlighted ongoing projects, stating: "We have INTERREG projects, HORIZON projects, and research initiatives that secured funding for 2024-2025, which are now entering the financing phase." He emphasized that "technically, ideologically, and financially, the merger is not necessary at this time.”
The mayor of Cahul, Nicolae Dandiș, publicly urged the government during a protest on December 21 in front of the university to abandon plans for integration and to allow the university to develop as an autonomous institution.
“Do not close it, do not merge it; let the university remain as it is. I am delivering this public message in the hope that it will reach the leadership of the Republic of Moldova, allowing our university to continue as an autonomous institution and to receive support from both the state and local authorities for its development. May God grant wisdom to all those responsible for the future of the academic community in Cahul and beyond,” said Dandiș, emphasizing that the institution has over a thousand students and plays a crucial role in the municipality's development.
The mayor warned that the decision could worsen regional imbalances: “It is easy to dictate what is best for Cahul from Chișinău. However, Cahul should have a voice in the educational system of this country.”
Additionally, the mayor announced plans for direct financial support from local authorities: “I will propose that the Cahul municipality budget allocate at least one million lei annually to support research projects and academic excellence.”
The university's former rector, Sergiu Cornea, publicly challenged the data on the number of students used to justify the proposed integration.
"It was claimed that the university would have 300 undergraduate students. In reality, we have 380 full-time undergraduate students and an additional 120 full-time master's students, totaling about 500," Cornea stated during a protest.
He emphasized that the choice of study format is a constitutional right: "Every citizen has the right to choose their form of study. You cannot use low enrollment as a justification for closing a university."
Cornea also highlighted the issue of underfunding: "In many specializations, we only have three or four budgeted places. Under these circumstances, it is very challenging to attract students to a low-income region."
Minister Dan Perciun, representing the Ministry of Education and Research, emphasized that integrating the University of Cahul into the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) would establish a robust university center in the southern region of the country.
"The integration will enable us to attract additional resources, secure significant investments in infrastructure, and establish new faculties. This will create a strong and appealing university center that provides modern study and research opportunities for the coming decades. By integrating with UTM, we can become a reference educational hub in the south of the country," stated the Minister.
The anticipated investments are estimated at 10 million lei annually for four years. These funds will facilitate the modernization of the campus, the equipping of laboratories, and the development of innovative study programs. Additionally, integration will enhance the diversity of educational offerings by introducing new faculties and specialties, as well as supporting the acquisition of resources through research projects and international collaborations.
