Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Vocational High School Skills Competition organized in collaboration with the TRNC Ministry of National Education and the Vocational-Technical Education Department. Held with the participation of Nazım Çavuşoğlu, Minister of TRNC National Education, the event took place on Thursday, 30 April 2026 at 9:00 a.m. The activities were organized at the application kitchens of EMU Faculty of Tourism, Tower Barista Cafe, as well as in the laboratories and workshops of the EMU Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences and the EMU Vocational School of Information Technologies.
Present during the opening ceremony of the event were, Acting Rector of EMU Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Director of the TRNC Vocational-Technical Education Department Gülşen Hocanın, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Sonuç Zorlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Acting Dean of Faculty of Tourism Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı, academic staff members and students.
Total of 7 vocational high schools participated in the competition: Karpaz Vocational High School, Güzelyurt Vocational High School, Iskele Trade Vocational High School, Haydarpaşa Trade Vocational High School, Girne Tourism Vocational High School, Gazimağusa Vocational High School and Rauf Raif Denktaş Vocational High School. The competition brought together more than 180 vocational high school students, whose performances were assessed by representatives from universities across the TRNC along with expert jury members from relevant professional sectors.
“Students’ Efforts Are the Most Valuable Outcomes”
Acting Dean of EMU Faculty of Tourism Assist. Prof. Dr. İlkay Yorgancı stated that the faculty strives to educate students as well-equipped individuals capable of competing on a global scale through an education model grounded in international standards, practice-oriented learning, and strong industry collaboration. Emphasizing the significance of the competition as a platform where students can showcase their knowledge and abilities while further developing their professional skills, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı noted that the primary objective is not merely winning, but also learning, gaining practical experience, and becoming better prepared for the future. Underlining that the effort displayed by the students constitute the most meaningful outcome, Assist. Prof. Dr. Yorgancı expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the organization and conveyed her best wishes for the success of the competition.
“The Main Objective Is to Educate the Skilled Workforce Required by the Country”
During her address, Gülşen Hocanın, Director of the TRNC Vocational Technical Education Department, emphasized that vocational and technical education fundamentally aims to prepare young people as competent and well-equipped individuals for the future. She noted that the devoted efforts of teachers are reflected concretely through events of this nature and highlighted that such competitions offer students a valuable opportunity to showcase their abilities, recognize areas needing improvement, and enhance themselves through engagement with sector professionals. Expressing her appreciation for the long-standing cooperation with EMU, Hocanın thanked the university administration together with the academic and administrative personnel for their support. She also stated that the competitions, covering numerous fields ranging from tourism and information technologies to electrical-electronics and construction, would continue throughout the day in an atmosphere of excitement and enthusiasm. Stressing the broader purpose of the initiative, Hocanın underlined that their ultimate goal is to cultivate the qualified workforce needed by the country.
“Reinforcing the Relationship between Education and Sector”
In his remarks, EMU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe stressed that competitions held across different disciplines help increase students’ motivation and enthusiasm while also contributing to their vocational and professional development. Prof. Dr. Karatepe highlighted that such events play a valuable role in reinforcing the connection between education and sector. Referring to the international accomplishments of the EMU Faculty of Tourism, Prof. Dr. Karatepe stated that EMU, consequently the faculty, has maintained its presence since 2019 in respected international rankings such as the ShanghaiRanking Consultancy within the field of Hospitality and Tourism Management, where it is ranked among the world’s top 51 institutions. He further noted that, according to the QS World University Rankings, EMU is also listed among the top 151 universities globally in the area of Hospitality and Leisure Management. Emphasizing that these achievements are the result of strong academic performance, research activities, and international collaborations, Prof. Dr. Karatepe described this success as an important reflection of the university’s academic standards and institutional quality.
“A Collective Responsibility Shared by All”
In his speech, TRNC Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu described EMU as a valuable institution entrusted to the people of the country, emphasizing that safeguarding and strengthening this legacy for future generations is a responsibility shared by society as a whole. Referring to the university’s international academic accomplishments, Çavuşoğlu stated that these achievements constitute an important source of national pride and expressed his appreciation to all those who contributed to this success. Çavuşoğlu also noted that the event should not be regarded solely as a competition, but rather as a meaningful platform through which students can demonstrate their knowledge and abilities, express themselves, and further their development. Highlighting the vital role of vocational education in national development, he stressed the increasing need for qualified human resources and emphasized the importance of supporting young people through vocational training and preparing them for active participation in the workforce.
Following the opening speeches, competitions held at the EMU Faculty of Tourism, the EMU Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, and the EMU Vocational School of Information Technologies provided students with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a wide range of fields, including Service, Basket Arrangement, Local Cuisine, General Tourism, Barista, Cocktail Preparation, Construction Technologies (Hand Drawing and Computer-Aided Drawing), Electronics (Electrical Installation, Control Systems, and Electronics), Mapping, Land Registry and Drilling, Office Management, Accounting, and Information Technologies (Software and Hardware). Within the scope of vocational education, students presented their practical work and projects for evaluation by the jury members.
Sharing their views on the event, Dean of EMU Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rizaner and Acting Director of EMU Vocational School of Information Technologies Assist. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tanel Babagil emphasized the importance of such competitions in enhancing students’ vocational skills, demonstrating the value of practice-oriented education, and contributing to the training of qualified human resources aligned with industry needs. They also noted that these types of activities help students strengthen both their technical competencies and self-confidence.
What did the Students say?
Özden EFE – Iskele Trade Vocational High School
I participated in the competition in the field of Computerized Accounting. Eastern Mediterranean University is a very large and beautiful university. I would like to study at EMU in the future. The competition and the questions were very well prepared. I believe that this competition will contribute positively to my future education at EMU.
Yağmur ÖZKOL – Iskele Trade Vocational High School
I competed in the field of Computerized Accounting and felt quite stressed during the competition. Many of our teachers recommend that we pursue our education at EMU which is a very beautiful university, and for this reason, I am considering studying there in the future.
Hüseyin RAHMİOĞLU – Girne Tourism Vocational High School
I am participating in the competition in the field of Service. The competition has been a very well-organized and enjoyable event. I would very much like to study at EMU in the future, as it is a very beautiful university.
The participants who achieved top rankings in the competitions will receive their awards at a ceremony to be organized on a later date.