Two of the largest universities in the Republic of Moldova, the Technical University (UTM) and the State University (USM), intend to merge and become the University of Chisinau. The initiative, which is to be discussed during the next year, comes from the rectors of the two universities, being motivated by the continuous decrease in the number of students and also by the need to consolidate and modernize higher education in the country. Statements to this effect were made by rectors of the two institutions, IPN reports.
The topic of merging USM and UTM was discussed at the meeting of the Rectors’ Council last week. USM rector Igor Sharov said that a reform is inevitable given the dramatic decrease in the number of students in Moldova. In 2007, there were 132,000 students, while in 2020 – only 52,000 students.
The idea of merging the two universities was discussed internally in each university before being launched in the public space. UTM rector Viorel Bostan said that it doesn’t go to a merger by absorption, when the stronger university absorbs a weaker one, but to the union of two strong universities to complement each other. The merger will create a strong institution capable of meeting the challenges.
According to Viorel Bostan, not only the decrease in the number of students is the reason for the merger. Internationally, practically every year universities merge to create stronger entities. Following the global trends is one of the reasons. It also goes to increasing the quality of studies, complementing programs, creating multidisciplinary conditions and, as a result, increasing attractiveness for students. After the merger, there will be only one rector and one senate, but the number of professors will not decrease.
Education Minister Dan Perciun welcomed the initiative. He said that such a process would be a premiere for Moldova. It would be a process fully agreed with the university communities and a maturity test on what is to happen in the coming years.
In 2022, the Moldova State University absorbed the Academy of Public Administration and 13 other research institutes that are connected to the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs of USM. For its part, the Technical University of Moldova merged with the State Agrarian University of Moldova and three other research institutes.
