With the completion of the contract of the rector of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Volodymyr Bugrov, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine is considering Valeriy Kopiyka as a candidate for the position of acting rector. This could mark the beginning of a new phase in university management.
Volodymyr Bugrov was relieved from his position as rector of KNU due to the expiration of his contract. Bugrov’s last working day is April 29, as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Despite the end of his contract, Bugrov intends to participate in the rector elections scheduled for May 27 and has already submitted the necessary documents.
The potential appointment of Valeriy Kopiyka, director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations at KNU, to the position of acting rector was confirmed by Ivan Lazorenko, the acting head of the student parliament. Kopiyka is a Doctor of Political Science, which could be significant support for the university’s further development.
The situation surrounding the change in KNU’s leadership arose against the backdrop of widespread transformations in the education system, which have become more frequent during the war. Specifically, the demand for distance learning has significantly increased, with the market volume in Ukraine reaching at least 150 million dollars per year.
In addition to reasons related to the contract’s completion, legal aspects also affect the situation. Volodymyr Bugrov was found guilty of improper asset declaration, including the undeclared use of a car belonging to his son. This decision sparked a wave of resonance, although the Ministry of Education has not yet commented on possible legal grounds for restrictions on his participation in the elections.
The KNU student parliament currently does not have its own candidate for the position of rector, said Ivan Lazorenko. The organization is waiting for the Ministry of Education’s decision regarding the temporary head of the university. Over the past few years, the university has accumulated a number of systemic problems that require the attention of the new leadership.
| Date | Event | Responsible |
|---|---|---|
| April 29 | Completion of Bugrov’s contract | Ministry of Education |
| May 27 | KNU rector elections | KNU |
