Academic's Controversial Response to YÖK President Regarding Şırnak University Crisis

Tension in Turkish Higher Education: University vs. Council

The management crisis at Şırnak University has entered a new phase. Today, July 19, 2026, Dr. Ahmet Selçuk Bayburtlu, a professor at this university, reacted to the controversial statements of Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK). This confrontation intensified after Özvar defended the management of Şırnak University during the National Education Commission meetings in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and challenged critics to provide evidence [1].

The YÖK President claimed in his speech on July 14 that allegations of nepotism and illegal appointments at the university lack substantiated evidence. In a sharp tone addressed to members of parliament and the media, he said: "If anyone has doubts or documents, I invite them to my office at YÖK; I will personally open the first investigation file and issue the first punishment" [2].

Dr. Bayburtlu's Response: "I Accept Your Invitation"

In response to this call, Dr. Ahmet Selçuk Bayburtlu announced that he immediately contacted the YÖK President's private office to schedule an appointment to present documents and evidence. In his message, he noted that despite two phone calls, he has yet to receive a response. Bayburtlu emphasized that he intends to directly deliver documents related to court rulings, mobbing reports, and administrative violations that were previously ignored to Özvar [1].

The professor also pointed out contradictions in Özvar's words, reminding that many of these cases had previously been exposed in media outlets like Odatv, yet no effective reaction was seen from oversight institutions.

Background: Appointments Under the Guise of "Loyalty"

The root of this conflict dates back to investigative reports published in early 2026. According to Odatv reports, Professor Dr. Abdurrahim Alkış, Rector of Şırnak University, is accused of finalizing a list of preferred individuals for hiring even before the legal deadline for job calls had expired. This phenomenon, known in Turkish media as "Loyalty Appointments" (Sadakat Atamaları), showed that 13 people were appointed to the exact positions that had been lined up [3].

Furthermore, allegations of suspicious connections and the purging of documents related to illegal structures within the university have been raised. However, Erol Özvar claimed in Parliament that the Rector has filed four criminal complaints with the prosecutor's office against these allegations and considers himself a victim of political conspiracies [2].

Public Pressure on the Council of Higher Education

Now, with Dr. Bayburtlu's declaration of readiness for a face-to-face meeting with the YÖK President, the ball is in Erol Özvar's court. Critics believe that if Özvar does not fulfill his promise and grant an appointment to the protesting professors, the credibility of the Council of Higher Education in fighting academic corruption will be severely damaged. This case has become a symbol of the struggle for transparency in Turkish public universities, which have faced serious challenges regarding academic independence and hiring fairness in recent years.