Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) signed a protocol with Atatürk Teacher Training Academic (AOA) regarding the establishment of joint postgraduate and doctoral programs in the field of “Classroom Education”. The said protocol was signed on Monday, 12 August 2024 at 12:00 p.m. during a signing ceremony held at the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Ministry of National Education. Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Director of AOA Prof. Dr. Güner Konedralı signed the said protocol. Present during the signing session were the Dean of EMU Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pehlivan, the Chairperson of AOA Executive Board Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nazım Serkan Burgul and the Deputy Director of AOA Prof. Dr. Çise Çavuşoğlu.
Delivering a speech at the signing ceremony, AOA Director Prof. Dr. Güner Konedralı stated that, as of last year, they have taken many steps towards re-structuring the Atatürk Teacher Training Academy, which was established in 1937 and, the protocol signed with the EMU has been prepared within this objective. Expressing that the new “Classroom Education” program will offer graduates, especially the students of AOA, the chance to pursue advanced degrees, marking a significant achievement for the academy, Prof. Dr. Konedralı stated, “We look forward to enhancing our efforts moving forward. I hope this initiative marks the start of a new era and ignites further progress. I would like to thank the Minister of National Education Mr. Nazım Çavuşoğlu, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, Dean of EMU Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Ahmet Pehlivan, and all other involved officials, and I wish the protocol great success”.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç noted that the collaboration between two prestigious institutions, EMU, which is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and the nearly 90-year-old Atatürk Teacher Training Academy, is focused on developing a joint educational program and, highlighted that the protocol signed for the postgraduate programs is a first of its kind. The said program will provide an opportunity for academy graduates seeking personal development. Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed excitement about enhancing collaboration with institutions and pride in contributing resources to the community. Moreover, Prof. Dr. Kılıç wished for the success of the protocol and extended his thanks to Minister Çavuşoğlu, AOA Director Prof. Dr. Konedralı, and EMU Faculty of Education Dean Prof. Dr. Pehlivan.
Also speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu conveyed that the Atatürk Teacher Training Academy has reached the highest number of students and staff in its long history and stressed that the academy is to continue its services this year as well by accepting 70 new students. Touching on the protocol signed with EMU, Minister Çavuşoğlu said, “Our aim is to train both our students and academics through the body of Atatürk Teacher Training Academy. AOA will continue providing services as long as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus exists. We will continue supporting this vision with the condition that it meets today’s necessities. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has contributed to the actualization of the protocol”.
What does the Protocol Consist of?
The joint postgraduate program outlined in the protocol will commence after receiving approval from the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation, and Coordination Council (YODAK). Moreover, Admission for non-TRNC students will require approval from the Higher Education Council (YOK). EMU and AOA will jointly decide on the maximum number of students accepted into the program. The program will be conducted in Turkish language and the students who fulfill the academic criteria of both institutions will be awarded a single master’s degree, or potentially a doctoral degree in the future, from both EMU and AOA.
