The restructuring was approved by a presidential decree and is intended to create a unified system covering education, upbringing and science, improve the quality and effectiveness of education, and strengthen efforts to develop human capital.
The reform also aims to ensure continuity between different levels of education, from preschool to higher education, while establishing a more integrated management system covering educational institutions and scientific activity.
Under the new arrangement, the Ministry of Education and Science will oversee the operations of preschools, schools, vocational and higher education institutions. It will also set requirements for educational activities and be responsible for accreditation and licensing.
A separate National Agency for Education Quality Assurance is expected to serve as a development and testing center for curricula, textbooks and methodological materials. It will introduce them into practice, monitor their results and improve them based on identified shortcomings.
According to Sherzod Asadov, spokesperson for the president, these efforts will be based on the concept of the “Uzbek school graduate’s profile” outlined by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The Presidential Administration and a special working group to be established under it will develop the structure of the new ministry, review its processes, prepare proposals for improvements and set the broader strategy for the reform.
The authorities also plan to reduce state involvement in higher education, expand universities’ autonomy and create more opportunities for the private sector. Asadov said competition and market demand should play a greater role in determining which universities provide high-quality education.
Special working group to oversee education strategy
A special working group on education strategy will be established under the Presidential Administration. It will be headed on a voluntary basis by entrepreneur Zafar Khashimov.
The group will bring together entrepreneurs with experience in establishing educational institutions and developing effective systems, along with sector specialists, academics and international experts.
