Opened in 1919, Baku State University has played a major role in Azerbaijan's growth over the past 90 years, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at a ceremony dedicated to the university's ninetieth anniversary, the AzerTaj state news agency reported.
"Baku State University has an excellent and remarkable history," Aliyev said. "For 90 years, the university has played an important role in Azerbaijan's comprehensive development."
President Aliyev said the short-lived Azerbaijani Democratic Republic's parliament's decision to open the university in the early 20th century was a thoughtful and insightful step.
"Baku State University was established by the Azerbaijani Democratic Republic's parliament one year after Azerbaijan's independence," President Aliyev said. "It was a thoughtful and insightful move. Our country was very young, but the university's establishment became a very important milestone in educating the public, eliminating illiteracy in Azerbaijan and strengthening intellectual potential."
The president added that although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for only two years, "Baku State University has survived."
"True, it did carry out its activities within the ideological framework of those years," he said. "But regardless, the university has played a very important role in the development of Azerbaijan, the development of education, and the enhancement of the country's academic capacity. This role continues today."
President Aliyev said he is encouraged by university's ability to maintain its leading role in education in Azerbaijan. He added that today this role is growing.
"This shows that the university is rich in tradition and potential," the president said.
President Aliyev congratulated the staff on the university's ninetieth anniversary and wished them all the utmost success.