In a double question from Kostas Papachlimintzeou of Parapolitika to Kyriakos Mitsotakis about private universities and the fact that institutions like Yale and Princeton haven’t come to Greece, regarding criticism about which were the first to be licensed for operation, as well as about the National Graduation Certificate, Kyriakos Mitsotakis states that for New Democracy, private universities have an identity character. The specifications are very strict, which is why only 4 licenses were granted in the first cycle. Other institutions can obtain the relevant license, provided they implement the relevant specifications.
Harvard and Yale came to Greece, in collaboration with public universities. “Outward orientation” is a word that didn’t exist until 5 years ago. The University of Athens collaborates with Yale, Columbia established a Global Center. The academic program of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is competitive and high-quality. Public universities support spin-offs, acquire their own identity, connect with the job market. This is my vision for public universities – let’s not focus only on what happens in private universities.
This year the academic year will start without any occupations. Does this have any relation to the image of public universities from several years ago?
No one is discussing the abolition of national university entrance exams. It’s a meritocratic, incorruptible system. What we’re discussing is how to highlight high school as an autonomous institution and not just an antechamber to university. I’m not ready to discuss abolishing entrance exams in 4 years, but we cannot avoid discussing that the high school diploma has lost its autonomous value. The presence of artificial intelligence is crucial: The agreement with OPENAI is of great importance – the fact that it provides us with educational tools, that teachers can acquire digital assistants, is groundbreaking.
Regarding the National Graduation Certificate, we’re trying to proceed with consensus, it’s a reform that extends beyond the government’s lifecycle.
What is the National Graduation Certificate
It’s worth noting that yesterday the prime minister highlighted as the first reform the establishment of the national graduation certificate, “so that the autonomous role of high school is restored,” within four years. Speaking about establishing the national graduation certificate, he requested consensus from the opposition for implementing reforms, although he acknowledged that often “political disagreement in the 21st century turns into a political spectacle.”
“Despite the opposition’s negative stance, I call on it for some kind of convergence. For example, on the proposal for the national graduation certificate, I ask for its cooperation for the future of education,” Mr. Mitsotakis said yesterday from the TIF podium and added: “we must meet somewhere in the field of results and I consider it my political duty to make this choice of understanding.”
He continued saying that “political stability is a prerequisite for prosperity. Our country fortunately has it. I ask that the tone of party disagreements be lower. We’re not so many to be divided.”
The National Graduation Certificate will be implemented in the 2029-2030 school year. Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki had presented the new framework in Parliament, noting that changes to the educational system won’t affect current high school students but those who will attend 6th grade in 2025-2026.
Sofia Zacharaki emphasized that she is “open to dialogue with scientific documentation” and announced that two scientific committees have already been formed with the participation of IEP and university professors, who are working on scenarios for how grades from 2nd and 3rd year of high school will be calculated in the final graduation grade.
Basic changes in high school
The new framework provides for: Promotional and graduation exams in all high school grades. Upgraded question bank. Combination of internal and external assessment tools. Foreign language certification within schools.
