Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized what he described as the unnecessary expansion of some universities and higher education centers in Iran, stressing that any such expansion should be aligned with society’s needs.
“The expansion of universities and the admission of students should be aligned with the needs of society and be in line with fulfilling specific missions aimed at the progress of the country,” President Pezeshkian said in a meeting with members of the board of trustees of Tarbiat Modares University in Tehran on Monday.
Pezeshkian also urged universities to shift from a mere article-writing approach to a problem-solving position in order to have greater contribution to the development of the country.
“Today, the most important duty of universities, academics, students, and academic elites is to provide solutions for addressing fundamental problems and to play a role in solving issues faced by society, including the various imbalances in different sectors of the country,” he noted.
The president further said that his administration promotes national consensus. Therefore, he added, it will not dismiss talented people under unfounded excuses, and will welcome cooperation with those who are determined to provide scientific strategies to address issues.
He advocated for the special attention be given to academics and competent elites, adding that the administration hopes for the proper education of students at universities to encourage them to stay in Iran and avoid migration in order to build the country.