On August 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the opening ceremony of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi in Tashkent.

The heads of state first cut the ribbon symbolizing the opening of the higher education institution.

President Ilham Aliyev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev planted a tree in the courtyard of the university.

The heads of state of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were briefed on the history of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi and the facilities available there.

In 1935, the Tashkent Pedagogical Institute was established on the basis of the Faculty of Pedagogy of the Central Asian State University. In 1947, the institution was renamed the Tashkent State Pedagogical Institute named after Nizami, and since 1998, it has operated as the Tashkent State Pedagogical University named after Nizami.

Among the university’s graduates are numerous prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the development of Uzbekistan’s literature, culture, science, and public life.

The university comprises six higher pedagogical schools, as well as a Joint Education Higher School and a master’s department. In total, there are 33 departments. The university offers 38 bachelor’s degree programs and 31 master’s degree programs. With 730 teachers and scientific-pedagogical staff members, the university has more than 17,000 students, including six Azerbaijani citizens studying at the undergraduate and master’s levels and as independent researchers. At the same time, 250 students from 13 countries are pursuing their studies at the university.

Special emphasis is also placed on implementing international educational programs at the university. The educational institution has established close cooperation with 15 international educational organizations and 127 universities in 20 countries, as well as with UNESCO and UNICEF. Twelve joint educational programs are being implemented at the university. Additionally, four international educational and cultural centers operate at the university — the Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and China centers.

The National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi has signed memorandums of understanding with the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Baku Slavic University, Baku State University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Mingachevir State University, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, and the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction.

As part of this cooperation, joint scientific research and international conferences, academic and scientific exchanges, as well as cultural and educational ties are being developed. As part of cooperation with Azerbaijan, the first five graduates of Secondary School No. 1 named after Mirzo Ulugbek in the city of Fuzuli have earned the right to study at the university on a grant basis.

Construction of the university’s new campus is underway on an area of 40 hectares in the territory of “New Tashkent.” Overall, the project envisions the construction of academic buildings with a capacity of 20,000 people, as well as student dormitories accommodating 5,000 people. The new campus will feature the Nizami Ganjavi Museum and the university’s history museums.

The heads of state met with the faculty and students of the educational institution and spoke with them.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Secondary School No. 1 named after Mirzo Ulugbek in the city of Fuzuli is a symbol of Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan brotherhood, and that the new building of the university reflects the ancient and modern values uniting the two countries, as well as the unity of their peoples.

It was noted that over the three years since Secondary School No. 1 named after Mirzo Ulugbek began operations, relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijani and Uzbek students have further strengthened. Within this framework, teachers from the school participate in training sessions in Tashkent covering key areas required for a 21st-century educator. It was also noted that 20 percent of the school’s graduates have been admitted to the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi in Tashkent.

Hajar Mahmudova, principal of Secondary School No. 1 named after Mirzo Ulugbek, expressed her gratitude to Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev for their support in strengthening Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan brotherhood and cooperation in the field of education.