President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called on Türkiye’s universities to prioritize research, innovation, and forward-looking projects during a speech at the opening ceremony of new student dormitories at Boğaziçi University on Thursday.

Addressing students and faculty members on campus, Erdoğan emphasized that higher education institutions must concentrate on producing original and high-quality knowledge while contributing to the country’s long-term development goals.

“It is imperative for our universities to focus on researching, generating unique and high-quality knowledge, and developing projects that would expand Türkiye’s horizon,” Erdoğan said.

Highlighting the growth of Türkiye’s higher education sector, the president noted that the country now has 208 universities. He stated that each institution — whether long-established like Boğaziçi University or newly founded during recent administrations — should serve as a center of vision and progress.

“We sincerely wish for our 208 universities … to stand as an epicenter of vision for Türkiye,” he said.

Erdoğan underscored that universities must adapt to global changes, aligning themselves with rapid transformations in society, business, and technology.

Adapting to a Changing World

The president stressed that as Türkiye’s private sector and broader society continue to evolve, universities must also modernize their approaches to education and research.

“Our universities must update and adjust themselves to a rapidly changing world,” Erdoğan stated, adding that Türkiye’s growing international profile requires institutions capable of competing on a global scale.

The ceremony marked the inauguration of new dormitory facilities aimed at expanding accommodation capacity for students in Istanbul. Officials said the new buildings are part of broader efforts to improve campus infrastructure and student services nationwide.

Erdoğan concluded by expressing confidence that Turkish universities will continue to contribute to the country’s development and strengthen its position on the global stage. (ILKHA)