Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) took part in a meeting hosted by the Minister of National Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Nazım Çavuşoğlu, with representatives of the universities that contributed to the in-service training programs organized for teachers during the 2025–2026 academic year. EMU was represented at the meeting, held at the Ministry of National Education, by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe.
Gökmen Davutoğlu, Director of the Department of Educational Support Services; Behçet Çelebi, Director of the Department of Higher Education and Foreign Relations; Dr. Nihat Ekizoğlu, Deputy Director of the Department of Educational Support; Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University; Prof. Dr. Ahmet Adalıer, Cyprus International University Board of Trustees Member; Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Oğuz, Dean of the Dr. Fazıl Küçük Faculty of Education at European University of Lefke; Final International University Rector Prof. Dr. Orhan Gemikonaklı, and specialists involved in the in-service training programs attended the event.
“Participation Increased from 7% to 95%”
In his address, Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu highlighted the importance of in-service training, noting that participation had increased from 7% to 95% following legislative amendments, representing approximately 5,000 teachers. He also stated that artificial intelligence-based training programs are being planned to include all teachers and that the Ministry has strengthened its training team. During his speech, Minister Çavuşoğlu also expressed his appreciation to Eastern Mediterranean University, European University of Lefke, Near East University, Cyprus International University, and Final International University, as well as to the academics who contributed to the delivery of the in-service training programs.
“Serving Society Is One of the Fundamental Missions of Universities”
Representing EMU at the meeting, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe emphasized that serving society is one of the fundamental missions of universities. He also underlined the importance of designing educational programs—particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence and digital transformation—based on thorough needs analyses.
At the end of the meeting, Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu presented plaques of appreciation to the rectors and university representatives in recognition of their contributions to the in-service training programs for teachers.