6 universities in TRNC leagued together and founded the Association of Universities on the purpose of carrying forward the vision of higher education, taking on a task in international acceptances and to solve the problems of the university.

The association which was established by Cyprus International University (CIU), Girne American University (GAU), University of Mediterranean Karpasia ( UMK) British Nicosia University (BNU), American University of Cyprus (AUC) and Metropolitan University (MU) was introduced at a press conference held today in Kyrenia.

GAU Founding President and Chairman of the Board Serhat Akpinar, CUI Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mete Boyacı, Chairman of the Board of BNU Trustees Ali Özok, the rector of the Mediterranean Karpasia University Prof. Dr. Asuman Turker, MU Vice President of the Board of Trustees Mehmet Toycan,  Ali Şen from UMK, GAU CEO and Vice Chancellor of the Board Asst. Prof. Dr. Asim Vehbi, GAU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Sadık Ülker and other authorities from universities attended the press conference.

The Board of the Association which the formal establishment has not been completed yet, will serve a year and consists the following names:

Chairman of the Association :  GAU Founding Rector and Chancellor of the Board Serhat Akpinar, Vice Chairman : CIU Chairman of the Board of Trustees Mete Boyacı, Secretary General: Chairman of the Board of BNU Trustees Ali Özok and the association members: the rector of the Mediterranean Karpasia University Prof. Dr. Asuman Turker, MU Vice President of the Board of Trustees Mehmet Toycan and Ali Şen from UMK.

AKPINAR: THE GOAL IS CARRYING THE HIGHER EDUCATION VISION ONWARD

Serhat Akpınar said the meeting that today is historical day in higher education system of the country and 6 different universities have served as the primary constituent of the union.

Akpınar also emphasized that the process which should have been started previously is starting today and they are very pleased to actualization of this union.

Akpınar said that the universities are the lifeblood of the country and specified that the higher education system not only active in economic area but also, Scientific, cultural, social, sports and many areas such like these.

Akpınar specified that the union which was established for the purpose of carrying forward the vision of higher education, taking on a task in international acceptances and to solve the problems of the university, created within a period of 3 months. He also noted that the Studies on the formal establishment of the Union is not yet completed and after the  receiving approval from the relevant authorities, the union will begin actual operations.

Akpinar, indicating that he was elected president the board of directors for a period of 1 year, and Mete Boyacı was elected as Vice-President,  Ali Ozok as General Secretary, Prof. Dr. Asuman Turker, Mehmet Toycan and Ali Şen as founding members.

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL MAKE IMPORTANT STEPS IN THIS HISTORICAL PROCESS

Akpınar emphasized that they perform a greater task and they will make important steps in this historical process and he believe that EMU; EUL, and ITU will join this union during this process.

Akpınar Emphasizing the importance of the University to act together and they will contribute to the development of higher education with government, the Ministry of Education and YODAK during this process.

Akpınar stated that Universities Association has `inclusive and holistic` view to the universities and he believes that all universities will join this association except METU NCC.

Vice-President Mete Boyacı and Secretary General Ali ÖZOK also emphasized that they believe that the association will make a contribute to the education.