On September 15, 2026, Mingachevir State University held an event to mark Knowledge Day and the beginning of the 2026/2027 academic year.

The event, held at the university’s main academic building, was attended by Ilham Ismayilov, Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority; Aydin Mirzazadeh, Member of the Milli Majlis; Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University; members of martyr families; faculty members and staff of the university; as well as students and master’s students.

The event began with a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was followed by the national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Opening the event, Ilham Ismayilov, Head of the Mingachevir City Executive Authority, congratulated the university community, students, and master’s students on Knowledge Day and the beginning of the new academic year and wished them success.

Ilham Ismayilov noted that in the modern era, higher education institutions are not only centers of knowledge but also important institutions that cultivate young people who are thoughtful, proactive, responsible, and prepared to contribute to the development of society. He highlighted that the innovations implemented at Mingachevir State University in recent years, the modern teaching and research environment established, and the expanding opportunities for students reflect the university’s development momentum.

The Head of the Executive Authority described the start of the new academic year by students in the extensively renovated university building as a particularly significant occasion. He stated that, alongside educational infrastructure, the expansion of the academic environment and opportunities created for the development of young people’s knowledge and skills contributes to strengthening the human capital of the region as a whole. Ilham Ismayilov encouraged students to make effective use of their university years, engage in lifelong learning, remain open to new initiatives, and develop into professionals of the future.

Aydin Mirzazadeh, Member of the Milli Majlis, then addressed the event. He emphasized that Knowledge Day carries special significance in Azerbaijani society and that attention to science and education is one of the key conditions for the country’s sustainable development.

Aydin Mirzazadeh noted that university life is not only a period in which young people acquire professional qualifications, but also an important stage in shaping their worldview, civic position, social responsibility, and future career paths. He positively assessed the expansion of educational opportunities at Mingachevir State University, the involvement of students in scientific, social, and international activities, and the development of new areas aligned with the demands of the modern labor market.

Congratulating the newly admitted students, the MP wished them every success in making the most of the opportunities provided by the university and becoming not only highly knowledgeable and professionally competent specialists but also citizens who contribute meaningfully to their country and society.

Addressing the event, Anar Eminov, Rector of Mingachevir State University, congratulated the university community on Knowledge Day and wished faculty members, students, and master’s students a successful new academic year.

The Rector stated that MSU is beginning the 2026/2027 academic year with a renewed university environment and new development goals. Speaking about the extensive renovation of the main academic building, Anar Eminov noted that the work goes beyond merely transforming the university’s appearance. The modernization of educational spaces, equipping classrooms with more functional and technological capabilities, and creating a more convenient, safe, and high-quality university environment for students and staff are all part of building the university model of the future.

The Rector noted that, for the 2026/2027 academic year, 1,631 students have been admitted to 38 bachelor’s degree programs at MSU, while 130 students have been admitted to 29 master’s specializations. Overall, more than 2,000 young people have been admitted to Mingachevir State University. Anar Eminov emphasized that, alongside growing interest and confidence in the university, these admission figures also increase MSU’s responsibility for the period ahead. He underlined that the university’s primary objective is not merely to provide students with academic knowledge, but to prepare them as specialists equipped with competencies suited to a changing labor market, research and innovation skills, the ability to use modern technologies, and a global mindset.

In his speech, the Rector also addressed the university’s steps toward internationalization. He noted that, beginning with the new academic year, instruction in the “Computer Science” and “Organization of Tourism” bachelor’s degree programs will be delivered in English. This will create new opportunities for students to integrate into the international academic environment, develop their foreign language competencies, and become better prepared to enter the global labor market.

Anar Eminov also spoke about the work carried out at MSU in the previous period to expand international cooperation, strengthen research activities, support innovative initiatives, develop partnerships with industry and the business community, and increase student participation in academic exchange programs, projects, training, and research activities.

It was emphasized that the university’s development philosophy is centered on human capital, quality education, equal opportunities, modern technologies, responsible governance, environmental awareness, and further strengthening the university’s role in the socio-economic development of the region.

One of the memorable moments of the event was the recognition of newly admitted students who achieved outstanding results.

In accordance with a relevant order issued by the Rector of MSU, a decision was made to encourage the academic achievements of students admitted to the university with high scores. Under the decision, students admitted to MSU with scores above 500 and 600 points were awarded one-time monetary prizes. The highest admission score at MSU for the 2026/2027 academic year was achieved by Aysu Ismayilova, who was admitted to the “Mathematics Teaching” program with a score of 626.4.

Following the official part of the event, the Knowledge Day program continued with an artistic segment. National dances were performed and musical pieces were presented by MSU students and graduates, as well as students of the Mingachevir City Children and Youth Development Center.

The event concluded with the performance of the Mingachevir State University anthem.

Modern and student-centered educational infrastructure, expanded international academic opportunities, recognition of high achievement, an environment open to science and innovation, commitment to national and moral values, and responsibility toward society have been identified as key development priorities for MSU in the new academic year.

It should be noted that Knowledge Day at Mingachevir State University was remembered not merely as the beginning of a new academic year, but as the beginning of new ideas, new opportunities, and greater goals within a renewed university environment.