Zurab Pataradze Holds a Working Meeting at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University

Zurab Pataradze, Chairman of the Government of Ajara, held a working meeting at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. He was accompanied by Maia Khajishvili, Minister of Education and Sports of Ajara. The Rector of BSU, Tite Aroshidze, presented a report on the university’s activities and strategic development plans.

During the meeting, the parties discussed ongoing and planned projects. Zurab Pataradze noted that strengthening the institutional capacity of the region’s leading higher education institution, developing a modern educational and research environment, and creating new opportunities for academic staff remain among the key priorities of the Government of Ajara.

Within the framework of targeted programs of the Ministry of Education and Sports of Ajara, supported by the Government of Ajara, numerous educational initiatives are being implemented at the university. More than 6 million GEL has been allocated for student support programs.

As Zurab Pataradze noted, based on the university’s needs, financing of educational projects will continue, along with support programs for lecturers and professors and the promotion of scientific research. This year, it is planned to support the professional development of academic and scientific personnel, update the BSU library collection, develop and technically equip educational spaces, and implement other important initiatives.

Important scientific conferences will be organized with the participation of BSU academic and scientific personnel to further strengthen relations between academic communities and contribute to the internationalization of the university.

In 2026, the number of outstanding students receiving 1,000 GEL scholarships from the Government of Ajara will double, while hundreds of students will continue receiving support within the student assistance program.

Zurab Pataradze listened to the opinions of professors and academic staff regarding the university’s further development and noted that active cooperation with them will continue to ensure a consistent and result-oriented development process.

The Rector of the University, Vice-Rectors, members of the Academic Council, representatives of the administration, and heads of research institutes attended the meeting.