Thursday, 17 December 2020, Amphitheater of the Rectorate, Tetovo
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT XHAFERI AT THE SOLEMN ACADEMY ON THE OCCASION OF MARKING THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY IN TETOVO
Dear Leader of the Democratic Union for Integration, Mr. Ali Ahmeti,
Dear first Vice – Prime Minister, Mr. Artan Grubi,
Dear Rector of the State University in Tetovo, Prof.Dr. Vullnet Ameti,
Dear deans, professors,
Dear students, future academic citizens,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me, at the beginning of my speech, on my behalf and the behalf of the MPs of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, to greet You who are present at this Solemn Academy which marks the anniversary of the establishment of the State University in Tetovo, the temple of the spread of science is now 26 years old and wish you many more anniversary celebrations. I hope that next year, and of course the next anniversary, we will be present in a much larger number and that the COVID 19 pandemics will be a dark period that we will leave behind forever. Until then, allow me to confirm and suggest as I always do during my recent public appearances, to be careful, to respect the health protocols, to keep distance and to wear protective masks.
At the same time, as a University that you are, as the hearth of a progressive force which steps in parallel with changes and innovations, and at the same time deals, adjusts and overcomes the challenges of modernization, which the whole society faces, I am fully convinced that you will not lag behind other universities in the country and the world. I am certain that digitalization has already become a routine in the functioning of the university, of the conduct of classes, communication between the academic staff and current and future students. And, of course, this is a mutual benefit, i.e. the university and the academic staff benefits, but also all current and future students, because in this inconvenient period of time, with the efforts and serious commitment of the leadership, professors and all those who are part of even the smallest part of the chain of true functioning of the higher education institution, do not feel even for a moment the negative effects of a health stroke, such as the pandemics. And that is how it is supposed to be, because in any situation, no matter how difficult it may be, sharing of knowledge, opening new horizons of knowledge, the laying of solidification stones in the foundations of these new saplings, must not stumble, be prevented, burdened or stopped forever. And for this period of time, digitalization is just another added value because through globalization are opened new horizons, new worlds and in that virtual world there are no obstacles, no secrets, the whole world intellectual potential is available by just clicking the button, therefore I suggest you, I encourage you to be bold, to be curious, with open eyes, the world is a gift wrapped in many layers and each opening of a new page gifts you the most beautiful and unexpected surprises.
Respectable,
We are in Tetovo, the university city with an enormous student potential in the state and energy, will, vision and fiery desire for investing in personal intellectual development to fulfill the preconditions for an accomplished professional life, and of course, successes that will be the biggest reward for each sacrifice, commitment, effort and hard work, they must never disappear from the focus of professors, policy creators, family and local self-government, i.e., in our scope of acting, we should do our maximum in order to enable this young energy to be settled, directed and used in the best possible way, and for the general good of the students, local environment, but also the central environment and for the good of the country in general. However, now we should lend a hand of encouragement and unconditional support, as did the pioneers of this university, those who knew the significance of education in the mother tongue, those who never hesitated to protect that right with their body and life. And, therefore we have a responsibility, and we and future generations must not forget this sacrifice and struggle whose results and fruits are today enjoyed by many generations that have emerged and will continue to emerge from these university benches and will give their valuable contribution in each pore of life, in each segment of our multiethnic society.
Dear guests,
Considering that I am here in the capacity of the President of the legislature, I would like to talk on what is in our scope, and in this context I would like to reassure you that besides the difficulties and obstacles we encounter due to political conflicts, we work towards improving the student standard, by making legal amendments which enable financial assistance in this difficult period of time, however, we also work in the direction of equalization of the scientific status in universities as well, as it is regulated in institutions. This will correct the mistake made in this direction. And, this is not all. We will continue to seek and amend legal solutions in the area of education, having open doors for the contribution of professionals and students themselves to find the best possible solutions in order for our universities as well to keep pace with world universities. During this, university autonomy will be the main roadmap, but as the same time we will take into consideration the financial and personnel independence of universities, because there cannot be a genuine autonomy without the last two.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Professors and lovers of education, dear lecturers in this university, your duty is not easy and not at all naïve, on the contrary, it is extremely noble and you are as parents of these young saplings and your commitment to them will give visible and measurable results which at the end will be the reward that will be an honor for you and your tireless work. Teach them nobility, diligence, a sense of community, mutual trust and joint cooperation with their colleagues from other universities in the state and in the world. This will only bring successes and new scientific achievements, and of course, it is science that drives the engine of further progress of the world.
Dear students,
I wish you success, I wish you good will and ambition, do not hesitate, do not be afraid of the unknown, because you can. We see your future, the future of the country and the future of the world in you! I am sure that together with the academic personnel in the State University in Tetovo, you will produce values and results that will position this educational institution, you and the whole society at the highest pedestal of the academic world.
Respectable, I wish to celebrate many more successful anniversaries of the University in Tetovo.
Thank you for the attention!