Call for Dismissal of Düzce University Rector; Crisis in Turkish Academic Management

Details of the Dismissal Call and Recent Tensions On June 30, 2026, numerous reports were published in reputable Turkish media outlets, including "Son Dakika," indicating rising dissatisfaction with the management of Düzce University [1]. These protests have now evolved into a formal call addressed to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), explicitly requesting that the current Rector, Professor Nedim Sözbir, be removed from his post. Critics believe that recent management actions have severely damaged the academic independence and scientific reputation of the institution. ## The Forced Resignation of Deans One of the primary reasons for the escalation of this crisis is the events of mid-June 2026. At that time, reports emerged regarding the sudden removal of Professor Oğuz Kara and Professor Recai Aydın, the deans of the Faculty of Tourism and the Faculty of Political Sciences, respectively [2]. These two academic officials faced pressure after meeting with local officials of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and expressing opinions regarding the status of a detained regional mayor. Although the Rector claimed these individuals resigned voluntarily to prevent undermining the university's position, public opinion and professional organizations have described the move as a direct result of political and managerial pressure [4]. Rector Sözbir responded to these criticisms by stating that the final right of appointment and dismissal rests with YÖK, but these remarks failed to quell the protests [2]. ## Allegations of Nepotism and Family Hiring In addition to political pressure, cases involving controversial hiring at Düzce University have returned to the headlines. It was previously revealed in February 2026 that Elif Melike Sözbir, the Rector's daughter, was employed as a research assistant in the university's Faculty of Medicine [5]. This issue, along with other appointments in administrative cadres that critics claim were based on personal loyalty rather than academic merit, has strengthened the accusation of "staffing" (Kadrolaşma) against Sözbir. These matters have significantly diminished public trust in justice within the Düzce academic environment. ## New Management Appointment Process and Final Decision Amidst these controversies, the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) officially announced on June 12, 2026, that the application process for the Düzce University Rector seat has begun [3]. The deadline for applicants to submit documents ended on June 19, and the files are now in the final evaluation stage. Given today's widespread calls for Sözbir's dismissal, eyes are turned toward Ankara and the final decision of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to see whether the current management will be retained or if a new individual will be appointed to end the university's managerial crises [3][1].