Universities in the Republic of Moldova must become competitive enough for young people to choose to study at home, and the approach to the EU opens up new opportunities for research, cooperation, and funding. The message was conveyed by President Maia Sandu at the ceremony dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the State University of Moldova, reports IPN.
The head of state mentioned that, in the last century, regimes and borders have changed, and language and identity have been put to the test, but the process of education and research has continued. She highlighted the contribution of USM teachers and researchers to the training of specialists and the development of the country.
At the same time, the rector of USM, Otilia Dandara, stated that in its 80 years of activity, the university has prepared approximately 165 thousand specialists in fields such as education, jurisprudence, journalism, biology, chemistry, mathematics, philology and history. Currently, USM has about 16 thousand students and develops professional training and scientific research projects in partnership with approximately 160 universities in Europe and other continents. Among the institution’s objectives are the expansion of international partnerships, the valorization of research results, and attracting a larger number of foreign students.
In turn, the rector of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Liviu-George Maha, highlighted the connections between the education systems on the two banks of the Prut. He recalled the beginnings of theological education in Chisinau, which preceded the development of the State University of Moldova, and emphasized the relationship of collaboration and friendship between USM and UAIC.
The Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, stated that the value of a university is reflected in the journey of its graduates. According to him, USM has also contributed to the preparation of specialists needed by state institutions after the proclamation of independence. The Minister pointed out that, in recent years, the MEC has invested over eight million euros in the modernization of the State University of Moldova.
The ceremony also conveyed the message of the Romanian Presidency. The Presidential Advisor for Education and Research, Sorin Costreie, stated that Romania will continue to stand by the Republic of Moldova and highlighted the role of education in building the future society and ensuring prosperity.
The anniversary ceremony is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the founding of the State University of Moldova and the 100th anniversary of Romanian education in Bessarabia.
