MINSK, 29 January (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko does not rule out the implementation of an idea to set up an experimental public-private partnership fund to finance universities. The idea was put forward by Grodno students at the meeting of the head of state with Belarusian students on 29 January, BelTA has learned.
A student from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno pointed out in her question to the president that in many countries the model of financing higher education is similar to Belarus': the state assumes the main burden. Meanwhile, in line with the experience of some foreign countries universities set up funds filled by private companies and boards of trustees. The student said that these funds are used to finance fundamental and applied research, which, in turn, strengthens the position of the university and makes it competitive. She asked what Aleksandr Lukashenko thought about this form of public-private partnership.
The president stressed: “I have an absolutely positive attitude about the matter. I am even ready for such an experiment at your university. Go ahead and set up such a fund.”
“The state will make the same contributions as a private investor does. A private investor gives three rubles, the state will give three rubles. A private investor gives three million dollars, the state will do the same,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“Let's set up this fund at your university and see how you spend the money. If your university and the governor agree with it, I am for it,” said the president.
