site.btaUPDATED Sofia University Opens New Academic Year

The 2024/2025 academic year was officially opened at the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia on Tuesday. Guests of the ceremony included National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan, caretaker Minister of Education Galin Tsokov, and Vice President Iliana Iotova.

Sofia University Rector Georgi Valchev gave the start of the academic year and introduced the faculty deans. He not only highlighted the university's academic achievements but also addressed the recent progress in securing fair remuneration for teaching staff. He expressed his gratitude to both politicians and unions for their efforts in resolving the long-standing issue, calling it "a significant step forward" that sends "a strong message of support to the entire academic community."

Valchev emphasized that the resolution of this issue is a positive signal, showing that the contributions of educators are finally being recognized and valued. "This progress will improve the academic environment, ensuring that professors and lecturers are adequately compensated for their work," Valchev said, noting that fair pay is critical to maintaining high educational standards. He added that these advancements will help foster "a more motivated and dedicated teaching staff," which will ultimately benefit students and the future of Bulgarian education and science.

The biggest university

Sofia University educates the highest number of students and doctoral students in Bulgaria, with over 20,000 enrolled in 27 professional fields and 140 PhD programmes, said the caretaker Minister of Education. In his speech, Tsokov noted that Sofia University holds 22 first places in the ranking system of Bulgarian higher education institutions for 2023, out of 27 accredited professional fields. "This significantly outpaces other Bulgarian universities. Additionally, Sofia University ranks between 661 and 670 in the QS World University Rankings, nearly 100 places higher than the previous year. It is among the top 12% of all universities participating in this ranking", Tsokov said.

He added: "Sofia University is one of the leading research universities, advancing modern science in centres of excellence and competence centres. It is also a leading Bulgarian university in European university consortia."

Space of free thinking

In her address to the students, Vice President Iotova said: "To think critically, to want to hear and respect others' opinions, to argue with reason – this is a great art and requires a lot of knowledge, persistence, and awareness." She said Sofia University excels at combining tradition and modern science. "You have chosen a world-class university. A university that provides an exceptionally good and high-quality education, making you competitive, which will give you good opportunities tomorrow and fulfil your dreams," she said.

Iotova called for the reconstruction of the building. "The unsightly marks of time on the university's dignified building, a symbol of Bulgaria's cultural rise, are unacceptable," she said. She urged the caretaker Education Minister, his colleagues, and all competent institutions to work together so that we truly honour the memory of the benefactors. "For all the generations before us who dedicated their fate, professionalism, and lives to the success of this university, let it be restored so that young people enter with joy. The university is not only an educational institution but also a symbol of our culture, self-respect, and identity as Bulgarians," Iotova commented.

"Today, you hear about decay, conflicts, hatred, and division from all sides. The more difficult task and seemingly unreachable goal is to build a society with purpose and ideals. I believe that as you step onto the sacred threshold of Sofia University, you carry this idea with you, and if you remain persistent and committed, it will grow. We are all looking forward to seeing this growth and the results you will achieve."

She expressed her gratitude to the Sofia University faculty for their "professionalism, dedication, energy, and ambition for consistent overperformance."

Better payment

Caretaker Minister of Education Tsokov also expressed gratitude to the teachers for their determination and resilience, "because they motivate and inspire the youth of Bulgaria, shaping its future". He added: "From this perspective, every authority owes a debt to us, university lecturers. However, I would like to note that over the past six months, we have managed, in collaboration with the rectors and the unions, to secure BGN 230 million for increasing salaries of university lecturers. This increase is not distributed indiscriminately, per se, but rather based on the quality and labour market realization of young people. Over the past year, the salary for the lowest academic position has increased by BGN 1,000, and the salaries of lecturers and other academic positions have also increased proportionately". 

Tsokov adviced students to be curious, be inquisitive, ask questions, and remember that university years are not only a time for acquiring knowledge but also for personal development and forming friendships.

Before the opening ceremony, the university leadership and Academic Council placed flowers at the monuments of benefactor Evlogi Georgiev and his brother Hristo Georgiev.