Skopje, 6 March 2024 (MIA) – The Student Assembly at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje (USS-UKIM) presented Wednesday their Student Manifesto – a document which they said aims to improve the living standard of the students and ensure a better future for all students.

The President of USS-UKIM, Aleksandar Nikolovski, pointed to several key goals from the Manifesto – the introduction of free undergraduate studies through a new financial model in the country; a comprehensive evaluation of the many study programs; the establishment of a National Student Assembly through amendments of the Law on Higher Education; the improvement of the student’s standard; internationalization of higher education; digitization; compliance with the deadlines outlined in the National Youth Strategy; as well as greater financial and staff autonomy at the universities.

Nikolovski said since the current composition of the University Assembly was constituted in November, it has held positive meetings with the institutions, but, he said, they’re still looking for ways to improve certain issues.

“We are constantly communicating and fighting for positive changes to improve the standard of the students,” Nikolovski stressed.

The spokesperson of USS-UKIM, Danilo Krstovski, said their duty is to point to the essential components that will improve the current educational system, while it is essential for social stakeholders to realize the urgency of taking measures.

“It is essential for the social stakeholders to get acquainted with the urgency of taking measures, to maintain the current foundations and use modern methods to boost the positions of the universities. In the name of the students from all over the country, we the student representatives came together to publish this student manifesto in order to demonstrate the affirmation of the voice of the students and their challenges,” said Krstovski.

Photo: MIA