Minister Visits Taraz Amid University Dispute, Dismisses First Vice-Rector

Amid growing tensions at the Kazakh National University of Water Management and Irrigation, Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek traveled to Taraz to address internal conflict between faculty and university leadership, Orda.kz reports.

Nurbek met with university staff and confirmed in an exclusive comment that he had listened to their concerns directly:

I met with the staff. I listened to their questions. A few days ago, a trade union was created that will deal with the rights of teachers. The dismissal of the rector Kamshat Tusupova is not being considered. She has only just assumed her duties. However, we have decided to dismiss the first vice-rector. This position is appointed by order of the Minister. The situation at the university is under my specific supervision,
said Sayasat Nurbek. 

Galiya Omarova, the university’s first vice-rector, has stepped down. Her resignation had been a key demand from the faculty.

Earlier, nearly 90 university employees signed a collective appeal to the President and the Minister, criticizing what they described as ineffective leadership by rector Kamshat Tusupova, frequent staff dismissals, and salary cuts.

Original Author: Islambek Dastan