Rustam Minnikhanov meets rectors of Tatarstan universities

On December 19, at Tatarstan Government House, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov met rectors of higher educational institutions located in Tatarstan.

Speaking at the meeting, Minnikhanov said that the republic is focused on modernization of the educational system, from pre-school educational institutions to universities. He stressed that today school is not just a place where children spend time. This is where they gain knowledge, which then can be used in their life. The level of today's high school should be high, so that future students acquire all the necessary knowledge and skills, Tatarstan President said.

Minnikhanov said that it is important to work with talented youth, noting that gifted children should be found not when they already enter the university, but in advance, that is to carry out appropriate preparatory work aimed at identifying the talent.

Tatarstan President said that he believes that serious consideration should be given to foreign students studying at the regional universities. The quality of training of foreign students will give evidence of the ranking of our universities, he said.

In general, every regional institution is an example of dynamic development and modernization, and our task is to keep the positive trend we have, Minnikhanov said. According to him, this must be achieved despite all the economic challenges. We need to increase the educational potential of the republic, equip laboratories to conduct research activities, he added.

Rector of Kazan (Volga) Federal University, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of the Republic of Tatarstan Ilshat Gafurov, who took part in the meeting, briefed on the work done by the Council, outlining a number of problems regional universities are facing today.

Participants of the meeting also discussed other issues related to modernization of education, work with talented youth, strengthening of the material and technical facilities of regional universities.