The 2017-2018 Academic Year at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) commenced with a ceremony at which the first lesson was delivered by Supreme State Inspector Emine Dizdarlı. In memory of the first lesson Supreme State Inspector Emine Dizdarlı was presented a silver plate by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam.
During her first lesson presentation, Emine Dizdarlı evaluated the Office of the Ombudsman’s legal status and duties as well as the autonomy of universities. Dizdarlı indicated that the Office of the Ombudsman is independent and impartial constitutional institution. Dizdarlı stated that the aim of the Office of the Ombudsman is to monitor and investigate whether or not state institutions are acting according to the by-laws and court rulings, creating reports that everyone is eligible to be access after the 2006 Right to Information Act. Dizdarlı drew attention to the fact that the actions of public institutions must be justifiable, open and comprehensible, listing the factors of good management in public institutions as accountability, political ethic, competent human resource management and inspection. Highlighting the importance of autonomy at universities Dizdarlı stated that all universities should be autonomous in order to successfully complete the tasks they undertake. Dizdarlı concluded by noting that government executives must act with the principles of legality, justice, equality and honesty whilst making decisions that benefit the public.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam stated that the university has earned important achievements over the last three years, becoming a world university in the last two. Stating that they don’t view education as a sector but rather as a universal service, Osam vowed that they will not make concessions regarding success. Mentioning EMU’s investments, Osam highlighted that for the first time the university is making investments by using its own funds and standing on its own two feet without getting support from any institutions. Touching upon EMU’s problems, Osam noted that its biggest problem is the State Bidding Law which he described as hindering the universities’ development. Osam also described the EMU By-Law as problematic, noting that the universities’ views were not taken into consideration when it was being prepared. Osam criticised the large number of universities in the country, asking why business people are trying to found universities.
