Nicosia, Cyprus. Open University of Cyprus rector Stavros Stavrou said on Wednesday he was dissatisfied with the budget allocated to the university, telling parliament it keeps the institution “on life support.” Members of the House education committee from multiple parties also criticised the funding level.
Rector raises concerns at House education committee
Stavrou said, “The budget simply keeps the Open University on life support. The reason we agreed to submit the budget is so that we can operate.” He added that he had “received assurances” from Education Minister Athena Michaelidou that “the budget for 2027 and 2028 will be reviewed.”
He said that for this year, “we have frozen the filling of new academic positions.”
MPs voice cross-party criticism and proposals
Akel MP Christos Christofides said “the education ministry’s lack of strategy has led to these terrible impasses which we face today,” adding, “We are in a boat and we are sailing wherever the wind blows. The Open University is the runt of the litter of higher education in the eyes of those in power.”
Disy MP Giorgos Karoullas said “it is a shame to leave the Open University stranded without a budget for its development,” describing the budget as “unacceptable.” He proposed “a proportional, equal distribution of resources for the development of public universities, so that the Open University of Cyprus proportionally can have its own share in development.”
Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonides said that “when you have a rector make the dramatic confession that the Open University is on life support, if this pleases the state and the education ministry, it is tragic,” and called for “balanced development in all universities” on the island.
Background on university funding
The Open University of Cyprus has historically been allocated a much smaller budget than other public universities on the island.
What changes, if any, do you think should be made to how public university budgets are distributed in Cyprus?