PRESS CONFERENCE: SUMMING UP THE FIRST HALF OF 2026 AT KULOB STATE UNIVERSITY

Today (29 July 2026), Kulob State University named after Abuabdullohi Rudaki held a press conference dedicated to reviewing the Universitys performance during the first half of 2026. The event was organized in accordance with the Plan approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan on 30 June 2026 and the directive No. 7/49 of the Executive Authority of State Power of Khatlon Province dated 8 July 2026.

The press conference brought together representatives of mass media, television networks, national newspapers and magazines, news agencies, as well as journalists from local and national media outlets.

The conference was opened by the Rector of Kulob State University named after Abuabdullohi Rudaki, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Safarzoda Munir Vatan, who presented a comprehensive report on the Universitys achievements during the first half of 2026. It was noted that, in celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Universitys accomplishments would be presented to media representatives through 35 symbolic achievements. The report, prepared with a presentation, analytical data, and official statistics, covered all major areas of the Universitys activities, including education, science and innovation, student development, international cooperation, infrastructure and administrative work, as well as the achievements of faculty members and students.

During his presentation, the Rector emphasized that the Universitys faculty members, staff, and students have carried out their activities in accordance with the educational policy of the Founder of Peace and National Unity – Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Honorable Emomali Rahmon, as well as the resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, legal and regulatory acts governing the education sector, and the directives of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan. Within this framework, all initiatives undertaken by the University have been directed toward improving the quality of education, advancing scientific research, preparing competitive specialists, and educating young people in the spirit of patriotism and national identity.

It was reported that during the reporting period, the Universitys activities were carried out in accordance with the approved work plan. A total of 11 meetings of the Academic Council were held, during which 45 important issues were discussed. In addition, inspections were conducted at faculties and departments concerning the state of education, research, student affairs, educational quality, international relations, documentation, and administrative operations, with appropriate decisions adopted to eliminate identified shortcomings.

It was also proudly noted that, within the framework of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistans development initiatives, construction of a new academic building and a modern 10-storey dormitory for faculty members and students is progressing steadily under the supervision of the Directorate for Government Construction Projects.

Among the Universitys major achievements, special emphasis was placed on the success of its student team in the Republican Olympiad among higher education institutions. Competing against 46 universities, the University secured second place by winning 15 awards, including 2 first places, 6 second places, 5 third places, and 2 honorary awards, making this one of the institutions most significant accomplishments during the first half of the year.

It was also reported that, in cooperation with the Institute for Advanced Training of Teachers under the Tajik National University, a professional development course was organized for 100 faculty members.

Considerable progress was also achieved in expanding inter-university cooperation and academic mobility. During the two semesters of the 2025–2026 academic year, a total of 56 students were sent to study at the Tajik State Pedagogical University named after Sadriddin Ayni and the Tajik International University of Foreign Languages named after Sotim Ulughzoda. This initiative plays an important role in enhancing students professional competencies, promoting the exchange of educational experience, and strengthening cooperation among higher education institutions in the country.

As part of the Universitys policy of strengthening national identity and patriotism, a series of scientific and educational conferences featuring prominent scholars and experts was organized. These events addressed issues related to patriotism, the history of the Tajik people, and countering the challenges of the modern world.

Continuing the report on educational activities, it was noted that the University currently offers 63 academic programs, with a total student population of 10,032. The success rate of graduating full-time students during the summer examination session reached 83 percent, while the overall quality of education showed improvement compared to the previous year.

To strengthen the Universitys material and technical infrastructure, 58 classrooms were completely renovated. Within the framework of the Universitys "Generations Connection" initiative, 33 classrooms, along with several laboratories and research facilities, were modernized and named after distinguished veteran professors of the University.

Furthermore, free foreign language courses for faculty members were launched at the "Durakhshon" Educational and Consulting Center, while the broadcasting of video lectures through the Universitys official website also commenced. In the field of teaching practice, methodological training offices were established at five secondary schools and at Kulob Television, becoming the first initiative of its kind among higher education institutions in Tajikistan.

Regarding scientific achievements, it was announced that Associate Professor Alisher Abdulmajid of the Department of Journalism was awarded the Abulqosim Lohuti Prize of the Union of Journalists of Tajikistan. In addition, Fariza Isoyeva and Aminjon Nazarov received the countrys First Patent for their invention, the "AgroTaj Grain Washing Device," while faculty members Rustam Yormadov, Suhrob Dosaev, and Ilhom Khojayev were granted patent certificates for their respective inventions.

It was also regarded as a matter of great pride that, during a meeting of the Higher Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, while reviewing the activities of higher education institutions in training highly qualified scientific personnel, Kulob State University named after Abuabdullohi Rudaki ranked 7th among the countrys universities. Moreover, based on its performance as an institution providing official reviews of doctoral dissertations, the University was awarded 5th place nationwide.

In the field of science and innovation, it was reported that 493 faculty members, representing 96 percent of the Universitys academic staff, are actively engaged in research activities. During the first half of the year, 14 faculty members successfully defended their PhD dissertations, while 6 faculty members were awarded the academic title of Associate Professor.

To further encourage scientific research, support researchers, and increase the number of successfully defended dissertations, the University Administration has decided to raise the financial incentive for the successful defense of doctoral dissertations from 20,000 TJS to 30,000 TJS, effective 1 September 2026. Furthermore, within the framework of the 2020–2040 "Twenty Years of the Study and Development of Natural Sciences, Exact Sciences, and Mathematics in Science and Education", special incentives have been introduced for researchers working in these priority fields. Under this initiative, financial awards have been set at 10,000 TJS for the successful defense of a Candidate of Sciences (PhD) dissertation and 40,000 TJS for the successful defense of a Doctor of Sciences dissertation. These measures are expected to strengthen the Universitys scientific potential, attract young researchers, and promote research in strategically important areas.

During the reporting period, the Universitys scholars and faculty members published 1 textbook, 10 monographs, 26 teaching manuals and educational resources, more than 129 articles in journals recognized by the Higher Attestation Commission (HAC), and 329 papers presented at various scientific conferences. In addition, 67 scientific events were organized by the University, while the activities of student research clubs were also recognized as highly productive.

In the field of student development and educational activities, the University organized more than 111 political, cultural, and educational events. Faculty members and students also actively participated in national competitions, with 56 participants advancing to the provincial stage. Among them were 13 participants (1 faculty member and 12 students) in the "Knowledge Dawns from Books" competition, 30 participants (2 faculty members, 3 masters students, and 25 students) in the "Science – the Light of Enlightenment" competition, 4 students in "Tajikistan – My Beloved Homeland," 6 participants (3 faculty members and 3 students) in the "Shahnameh Recitation" competition, and 3 students in the "Best Expert on the Works of the Leader of the Nation" competition.

Significant achievements were also recorded in sports. In particular, Mustafo Abdulfayz won the silver medal and second place at the Asian Cup in Kurash Wrestling among senior competitors. Overall, University students participated in 82 international, national, and provincial sports competitions, winning 24 gold medals, 43 silver medals, and 32 bronze medals.

The University also significantly strengthened its international cooperation. During the reporting period, 16 new cooperation agreements were signed with higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, the Peoples Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. These agreements provide a solid foundation for expanding academic mobility among faculty members and students, implementing joint scientific projects, organizing international conferences, and strengthening inter-university cooperation, thereby further enhancing the Universitys position within the global higher education community.

The Universitys international achievements also received recognition from prestigious organizations. In particular, the Administration of Kulob State University named after Abuabdullohi Rudaki was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the American Councils for International Education in recognition of its significant contribution to the professional development of English language teachers and its active support of international educational programs. The certificate highlights the active participation of the Universitys faculty members in the Virtual English Resource Center (V-ERC) programs, webinars, and professional training activities, emphasizing their valuable contribution to improving teaching competencies, advancing English language education, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Considerable progress was also made in infrastructure development. The roofs of the Universitys Cultural Hall and Sports Hall were reconstructed, the building of the Faculty of Geography and Digital Economy underwent renovation, the fountains in front of the main administrative building were modernized, and an independent irrigation water supply system was installed across the campus. In addition, extensive improvement works were carried out at the S. Valizoda Cultural and Recreation Park, where 646 sets of desks and chairs, 76 upholstered chairs, 13 cabinets, and 6 classroom blackboards were repaired and donated free of charge to 26 general secondary education institutions in Kulob city and the surrounding region.

In concluding the report, Rector Professor Safarzoda Munir Vatan outlined the Universitys priority objectives for the coming period. These include comprehensive preparations for celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan, strengthening national identity, introducing new academic programs, expanding academic mobility, increasing the number of defended dissertations, promoting innovation and invention activities, and further enhancing international cooperation.

During the question-and-answer session, representatives of the mass media raised questions covering various aspects of the Universitys activities, to which the Universitys leadership provided detailed and comprehensive responses.

At the conclusion of the press conference, Rector Professor Safarzoda Munir Vatan expressed his sincere appreciation to the representatives of the media for their constructive cooperation and invited them to continue close collaboration in promoting the Universitys achievements and supporting preparations for the celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the State Independence of the Republic of Tajikistan.