University of Tetova commemorated the 31st anniversary of its first lectures with a series of activities honoring the figures and historic moments of its founding. Prior to the formal ceremony, the University leadership paid tribute at the bust of the martyr of Albanian-language education, Abdylselam Emini, as well as at the grave of the founder and first Rector of UT, Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani. Afterward, participants visited the University’s historical museum in the village of Poroj, where the sacrifices and the difficult journey toward opening the doors of knowledge in the Albanian language were recalled. Present at this event were members of the University leadership: the Rector of the University of Tetovo, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli; the President of the Senate, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ferati; the Secretary General, Mr. Adem Beadini; the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti; the Vice-Rector for Finance, Prof. Dr. Aida Yzeiri–Baftijari; the Vice-Rector for International Relations, Prof. Dr. Salajdin Salihu; and the President of the Student Parliament, Leart Ibraimi. Also invited was the academician from Albania, Prof. Dr. Arben Merkoçi.
Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, spoke about the history of the University of Tetovo. He stated that this date represents a historic moment not only for our University, but also for higher education in the Albanian language in the Republic of North Macedonia. It marks a decisive turning point in the fulfillment of the fundamental rights of Albanians to education in their mother tongue, to scientific research, and to cultural and social development. “University of Tetova was not founded by chance. It was established as a result of a clear vision, a historical necessity, and the extraordinary dedication of our intellectuals and citizens. At the head of this major project stood the emblematic figure of the founder and first Rector, Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani. His work and vision remain a fundamental pillar of our University’s identity. He lives and will forever live in the institutional memory and in the hearts of the generations who have been and are being shaped in this center of knowledge. At this solemn academy, on the 13th anniversary of his passing, we remember with respect and deep gratitude Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani for his sacrifice, dedication, and courage in bringing to life the enlightenment project, the University of Tetova. The beginnings of this institution were difficult and filled with serious challenges. They were accompanied by institutional obstacles, anti-democratic and discriminatory attitudes toward education in the Albanian language, as well as attempts to hinder the development of Albanian society in this country. On February 17, 1995, with the emblematic message of the historic Rector, “We want the pen and the notebook, we do not want violence”, the first lectures of the University of Tetova began in the village of Poroj. On that same day, in Small Reçica, the process was accompanied by police violence against citizens who were defending the right to education. As a result, there were injured and arrested individuals, including members of the University leadership, while Abdylselam Emini fell as a martyr of Albanian-language education. These events are testimony to the sacrifice and determination of our people for knowledge, for dignity, and for a better future. They marked the beginning of a new stage for higher education in the mother tongue”,- said the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli.
In the continuation of his speech, the Rector focused on the present state of this center of knowledge. He stated that today, three decades after those difficult and sacrifice-filled beginnings, the University of Tetova stands as living proof that the vision of our founders was right and farsighted. From improvised classrooms in the homes of our citizens, from modest conditions and numerous confrontations, today we have built a modern, consolidated, and respected institution in the national and regional academic sphere. What was once a bold dream of education in the mother tongue is now a tangible reality, with dozens of study programs, qualified academic staff, contemporary laboratories, and infrastructure in continuous improvement. “Building upon the legacy of Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani and the sacrifice of generations, today the University of Tetova has expanded cooperation with universities at home and abroad, strengthened scientific research, and increased its presence in international projects, transforming itself into a bridge between our academic tradition and European standards of higher education. The processes of digitalization, modernization of teaching, and the integration of technology into the learning process are not merely technical reforms, but a continuation of the original mission to make knowledge accessible, high-quality, and in the service of society. At the foundations of this institution stands the contribution of the families who opened the doors of their homes for teaching, the students of the first generations, professors from the country, Albania, and Kosovo, as well as our diaspora”, – emphasized the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli. In concluding his speech, he stated that our vision is for the University of Tetova to continue to be a center of academic excellence, innovation, and social development. Such solemn activities serve us to reflect on the past, to appreciate the present, and to responsibly build the future. As an academic community and as a society, we remain committed to strengthening cooperation, cultivating democratic values, and advancing the intellectual, educational, and cultural development of our nation. These goals are achieved through knowledge, bold ideas, and sustained commitment.
Academic Prof. Dr. Arben Merkoçi expressed his happiness at participating in the University of Tetova, specifically in the celebration of the 31st anniversary of its first lectures. He emphasized that this is the first time he has taken part in an event with such a large audience in Albanian territories, highlighting that the University of Tetova is the first institution to invite him to hold such a discussion as part of an event as significant as this anniversary. He went on to speak about the role and potential of nanotechnology in the scientific and technological development of the Balkan region. He stressed the importance of collaboration between universities, research institutes, and industry to promote innovation and the dissemination of technology. Through this ceremony, the University of Tetova not only commemorated its historical journey but also reaffirmed its mission to be a strong pillar of education, culture, and national identity, committing itself to face contemporary challenges and contribute to the development of society.
