The Cabinet of Ministers' report on activities in 2025 proposes the establishment of a new university outside the capital. The document suggests creating a modern higher education institution based on the lyceum under the Ministry of Science and Education located in the Ələt settlement of the Qaradağ district, which would enable teaching logistics and innovative specialties. It is noted that since Ələt settlement is located at transportation hubs, opening a large educational institution based on this site could be beneficial.
It is emphasized that the operation of sufficiently many higher education institutions in Baku city and surrounding areas sometimes leads to excessive strain on the city's transportation, communal, and other infrastructure sectors. In this respect, establishing new universities in Baku city and its administrative residential areas is considered inappropriate. Moreover, the placement of several higher education institutions outside the capital is a subject of discussion.
One wonders, to what extent would relocating universities outside the capital affect the quality of education?
Also, will students be able to spend their leisure time effectively outside the capital?
Medianews.az reports that Elchin Efendi, an education expert speaking to Oxu.az on the matter, noted that if relocation takes place, the quality of education would increase.
He recalled that the issue of relocating some universities outside the city is reflected in the "Baku City Master Plan 2040":
"The main goal here is to reduce congestion in the capital and prevent traffic jams on the roads. First of all, the area where the universities will be relocated should be transformed into a student campus. It is possible that some universities will be reorganized in the form of campuses. There, dormitories, entertainment centers, libraries, and other facilities should be available for students. Also, the relevant infrastructure should be established in terms of students' internships and employment opportunities. Naturally, if the relocation is carried out properly, the academic performance of educators and students as well as the quality of education will improve."
E. Efendi stated that several universities can be centralized:
"In this case, students will not encounter outsiders. Overall connections will be organized so that a student will only see other students. The social environment will lead to the improvement of their academic indicators. The learner will focus only on one direction. They will be able to visit the library, sports hall, and other places simultaneously. The indicators in universities like Harvard and Oxford are high because students are immersed in an academic environment. We can observe the same situation here. This will undoubtedly help improve the quality of education. I think universities with a large student contingent and located in the center will be relocated outside."