TBILISI, January 30 – Georgia’s government has announced plans to merge the country’s flagship Tbilisi State University with its main technical university, triggering political protests in the capital.
Education Minister Givi Mikanadze said TSU and the Georgian Technical University will be combined, and the merged institution will keep the name of Tbilisi State University. He said the reform will not cut academic staff or reduce student admission quotas.
Mikanadze also said the ministry plans to introduce a new academic position, described as a “leading professor,” chosen through competition to provide strategic leadership in teaching and research, improve quality, and support the development of younger academics.
As part of the merger process, the minister said a temporary governing body, a council, will be created by ministerial order. Acting rectors and vice rectors will be appointed to run the reorganization.
The plan immediately drew criticism from university staff and opposition politicians.
TSU professor Levan Gordeziani called the merger “very bad” and said such decisions should not be made without discussion with universities and the academic community. He argued that the real goal is control and said the merger would bring in temporary management to push through what he described as draconian changes.
Opposition figure Tazo Datunashvili from Lelo said merging two weak universities will not create a strong one, and claimed the two institutions already perform poorly in international rankings and teaching quality. He said he sees two interests behind the move: tighter control over academic life and issues related to university property.
Another opposition lawmaker, Giorgi Sharashidze from the For Georgia party, said the education reform is about establishing maximum control. Speaking about the merger, he said it is unclear what purpose it serves and suggested it could be linked to “optimization” that might lead to privatization of valuable buildings in central Tbilisi.
The education minister’s announcement was followed by street protests on Thursday.
Outside the Georgian Technical University, demonstrators gathered under the slogan “Do not take our identity!” Some banners read “A 104-year-old university is not for sale” and “GTU was not founded by Mikanadze.”
Later, students and activists also rallied at TSU’s main building with the slogan “Protect education.” Protesters said the planned reform would harm the education system. Some participants claimed the authorities aim to reduce staff and remove lecturers critical of the government.
Students at TSU demanded a meeting with Rector Jaba Samushia, saying he is obliged to protect the university from state interference. Protest organizers said the protest would continue until he meets them, and some demonstrators marched toward the technical university to join the rally there.
Meanwhile, Georgian Technical University rector David Gurgenidze said internal discussions were starting with deans, the academic council, and faculty. He said he would support the merger if it proves beneficial for the university and the country, and that the government is waiting for consultations.
