The minister of education of Kyrgyz Republic K. Osmonaliev provided statistics and structure of expenditures in higher education institutions in Kyrgyz Republic, informs Akipress. Kyrgyz universities spend 95.3 % of their budgets for administration purposes, and only 4.7 % of their budget for education purposes. The administration staff make up 40-45 % of the universities staff. These numbers are frustrating and indicates that the management systems in universities and colleges is extremely ineffective.

The higher education became a good business a decade ago. In soviet times, if one couldn’t enter any university that would be a tragedy and even shame for the entire family of a candidate, at least in cities of Kyrgyzstan. Since the number of available seats was limited, it was not an easy job to get accepted by any college and there was no system of commercial education. The profession of college professor was very prestigious with a decent salary. So after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the demand for higher education still existed, and the supply came soon. So many new universities and colleges appeared in Kyrgyzstan that it became number one country in number universities per capita figure and most of newly opened institutions were of low quality.

Gradually the perception of higher education in Kyrgyzstan has been changing. Many kids don’t go even to schools, and many young people leave the country looking for job abroad. Yet, it is still a good thing to get a higher education since still most employers require and it lets young men avoid the military service. However, the perception and the attitude of most university staff and faculty didn’t change substantially. It changed in terms of making money, but changed little in terms of doing a good business ethics and responsibility. Why don’t universities use the business approach and rationale in education approach? The answer is obvious; most of top administration had little or no experience in good and responsible management. After promotion from faculty to administration they can’t make solid decisions in university governance, which requires good management skills.

The reforms in education system and management can positively result in the quality of education. Students will get better education and will be more competitive in looking for jobs. According to International Business Council, as 24.kg says, the first thing foreign investors consider before opening their business in Kyrgyzstan is the availability of highly qualified personnel. Hopefully, the ministry of education, the government and the president will realize the importance of reforms in education and its positive benefits for the country’s economy.