With a solemn ceremony, the University of Tetova marked the 30th anniversary of its founding. A large number of personalities from the academic, diplomatic, political, social, and intellectual spheres, as well as activists and students, participated in the celebration of this significant anniversary to honor the 30 years of existence of the University of Tetova.

The ceremony was declared opened by the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, who provided a retrospective of the educational and scientific events that have taken place at our university. He also spoke about the many processes that have developed since its foundation and the entire activity of the University of Tetova up to the present day. Furthermore, the focus of his speech was on all the activities carried out throughout 2024. “While we celebrate our past and present, we must also look ahead with courage and ambition. The challenges of this century, rapid technological advancements, environmental crises, and social inequalities – demand that universities be more than just centers of learning and study. Universities must be centers of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility. Universities need to create as many connections as possible with the community and consider the new demands emerging in the job market. These are goals that we are pursuing with dedication and a long-term strategy. Let this anniversary serve as a reminder of our duty to adapt, grow, and lead in transformative times. Our vision for the future encompasses not only academic excellence but also a commitment to equality and inclusiveness. This historic moment would not have been possible without the unwavering support of many people. To our students and graduates: you are the spirit of this institution, the reason for our existence, and the proof of our success. To our faculties and staff: your dedication is the foundation upon which this University stands tall. To our partners and supporters: your trust in our mission has been essential and inspiring throughout our journey”, – said the Rector of the UT, Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli.

The Ambassador of Germany to the Republic of North Macedonia, Her Excellency Ms. Petra Drexler, stated that the University of Tetova symbolically represents the opportunity for everyone in this country to have equal chances to realize their potential and contribute to the progress of society – regardless of their native language. “To fulfill this demand in the past, some societal changes were necessary. Today, the right to education in the Albanian language is no longer in question in North Macedonia, and the University of Tetova has become an integral part of the academic landscape. The commitment to preparing young people as best as possible for the challenges of the future is just as important today as it was 30 years ago. If you want to continue with this commitment here and now, then other themes come to the forefront: we are dealing with creating an environment that promotes creativity and critical thinking, openness to new things, and leadership skills”, – said, among other things, the Ambassador of Germany in the North Macedonia.

The Chairman of the Coordinating Council of the Diaspora in the USA, Mr. Mark Gjonaj, expressed his pleasure at being part of this festive ceremony. “My heart is filled with pride because I am visiting my people, who share one blood, one language, and one history. Albanians have fought throughout history for the right to education. Albanian teachers were fired and imprisoned. Albanians have suffered and sacrificed to learn in our language. The University of Tetova was founded by Prof. Dr. Fadil Sulejmani and others in 1994, and it was met with opposition. On February 17, 1995, Albanians at the University protested against the government, and in the end, there was one death, many wounded, and many unjustly arrested. Today, 30 years later, the University of Tetova is a success and a historic moment for Albanians. With 13,000 enrolled students, the University is a pillar for our nation. The University of Tetova produces intellectuals and preserves Albanian identity and culture. But, even though we are gathered today to celebrate, let us remember that our work is not over. We should not only look at the past 30 years, but also at the next 30 years, where the University will continue to produce Albanian leaders for the future who will contribute not only to North Macedonia but to the world”, – emphasized, among other things, Mr. Mark Gjonaj.

On this anniversary year, the 30th anniversary of the founding of the University of Tetova, the title of Doctor Honoris Causa was awarded to Professor Nevzat Halili – an important political figure in the 1990s, known for his commitment to defending the rights of Albanians in this region. The presentation on the life and work of Professor Nevzat Halili was delivered to the attendees by the Vice-Rector for Science, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti. “REPORT for the award of the title Doctor Honoris Causa to Mr. Nevzat Halili. The University of Tetova, as a higher education institution in the Republic of North Macedonia, was founded thanks to the persistence and collective sacrifice of the population, intellectuals, the Albanian political factor, the diaspora, and the international friends of the university. Since its foundation, this university, which has been distinguished by its special achievements in education, science, emancipation, and culture, has expressed its gratitude and special respect for significant figures from various societal spheres, whether from the Albanian, regional, or global space, who have contributed to the University of Tetova. One of the personalities who supported the initiative for the foundation of the University of Tetova is Mr. Nevzat Halili, whom we propose for the award of the title Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Tetova”, – said Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.

The decision of the Senate of the University of Tetova to award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Nevzat Halili was read by the President of the Senate, Prof. Dr. Kenan Ferati. “Based on Article 184 of the Higher Education Law (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia” No. 82/18 and “Official Gazette of the Republic of North Macedonia” No. 178/2021 and 58/2024) and Article 265 of the Statute of the University of Tetova, the Senate of the University of Tetova, at its regular meeting held on December 13, 2024, adopted the following: DECISION to award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa of the University of Tetova to Mr. Nevzat Halili. This title is awarded to Mr. Nevzat Halili for his valuable activities in support of the Albanian national cause and for his contributions to education, politics, and public life, as well as for his continuous support of the University of Tetova.

Afterward, the Secretary General, Mr. Adem Beadini, on behalf of the university services, presented the diploma to Rector Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli to award the title of Doctor Honoris Causa to Professor Nevzat Halili. Along with the diploma, the laureate of the University of Tetova was also awarded the university’s symbols, the logo, and the flag.

After receiving the title Doctor Honoris Causa from Rector Prof. Dr. Jusuf Zejneli, the laureate Nevzat Halili addressed the attendees with words of gratitude for the respect shown towards his personality and the University of Tetova.“With the opening of this University, with the legalization of this University through many sacrifices, just as I was imprisoned, many of our compatriots were also in prison, such as the Albanian Mandela, Adem Demaçi, who spent 26 years in prison, the second Mandela, Mehmetriza Gega, who spent 16 years in prison. The establishment of the University was not easy; it was difficult. It might not have been so difficult if we had had greater understanding, because there was repression, as the politics of the time were such that, as soon as we had passed communism, the old beliefs still held that Albanians could be “the man with the saw on the shoulder”. But today, no one can call Albanians ‘the man with the saw on the shoulder’ because around 15,000 students’ study at this University, and many students have graduated. In North Macedonia, from the establishment of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University until the 1990s, only 430 Albanians graduated, many of whom were from Kosovo, Presevo, Bujanoc, and even from Montenegro.” – stated Mr. Nevzat Halili.

He also spoke about the activities and initiatives of the Democratic Prosperity Party, which was the first Albanian political party in North Macedonia. “After the elections, this party had the first deputy in a multi-party parliament. This party achieved many things, supported progressive, civilizing, educational, and cultural initiatives around the world. It did a great job in promoting the Albanian cause in all corners of the world. And for your information, this party established 49 branches worldwide, starting from the USA, Canada, Australia, and all the countries of Western Europe such as Germany, France, England, Italy, and other states.” – emphasized the laureate, Nevzat Halili.

The solemn ceremony concluded with an artistic program organized by Prof. Blerim Grubi, Prof. Ariana Kuriu – Grubi, Prof. Kastriot Tusha, and Prof. Shkëlzen Baftijari. On the 30th anniversary of the founding of this institution, several congratulatory telegrams were sent for this anniversary year, including from the President of the country, Mrs. Gordana Siljanovska – Davkova, and many other public figures.