Press release of the Union of Students of the University of Zenica – We will not quietly watch the collapse of the education system! 

The Student Union of the University of Zenica expresses its strongest opposition to the proposed amendments to the Law on Higher Education of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, which are planned to be adopted at the Assembly session on December 23, 2024..

Such changes, adopted through a summary procedure, without public debate and participation of the University, seriously threaten the autonomy of the university, the dignity of the academic community and the future of higher education.

What is the key issue in the proposed amendments and why are we expressing our dissatisfaction?

1. Politicization of universities

The amendments give excessive powers to political bodies, such as the Governing Board, thereby transferring key decisions on academic matters, including promotion, from the hands of professional and academic bodies to the political sphere. This undermines integrity and academic standards and opens up space for abuse. We are now in a situation where a few people, members of the UNZE Governing Board, decide on all academic matters at the University of Zenica. In this way, the Senate is deprived of its purpose and meaning of existence, if such matters are to be decided by a majority appointed by the Government.

2. Violation of autonomy and quality of education

Instead of strengthening university autonomy and improving the quality of education, the proposed changes are collapsing the system. The politicization of the process and disrespect for expertise send a message to students that it is much more efficient and easier to engage in politics, to graduate from private universities because the political current that happens to be in power at that moment will give us the choice of titles, because engaging in scientific research, contributing to the University, studying and learning - will not make sense, when people who know the weight of that will not decide about us.

3. Lack of impact assessment

The proposed changes are not based on a clear analysis nor are they aligned with the rulings of the Constitutional Court and the Framework Law on Higher Education in BiH.

The Student Union says that such changes send a message that academic integrity and excellence are not valued, which will discourage young researchers and future generations. Instead of improving higher education, the proposed changes lead to its collapse and politicization, which students will not stand by and allow.

Our requirements:

1.Return the proposal for amendments to the law to the regular procedure and ensure the participation of the academic community in its development.

2. Stop the politicization of universities and ensure that decisions on academic matters are made by professional bodies, not political structures.
3. Respect the verdicts of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Conclusion

The Student Union clearly states: We will not calmly observe the collapse of the educational system! If the proposed changes are adopted, students will take all legitimate measures, including protests, to protect the autonomy of the university, the dignity of the academic community, and the quality of education.

Our university and its students deserve better!

Union of students of the University of Zenica