YÖK President: Launch of 'Tobacco-Free Campus' Project in Turkish Universities

In a major step to promote public health in educational environments, Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), officially introduced the 'Tobacco-Free Campus, Healthy Future' project. The ceremony, held on July 4, 2026, at the Sepetçiler Pavilion in Istanbul, hosted high-ranking officials including the Minister of Health and the President of the Yeşilay (Green Crescent) organization [1]. In his speech, Özvar emphasized that this project is not merely a simple restriction on tobacco use, but an effort to transform universities into centers for promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Implementation Details and New Restrictions in Universities According to the YÖK President's statements, the plan includes strict regulations to reduce access to tobacco products in academic settings. Under this project, the sale, advertising, and any promotion of tobacco products within university campuses will be completely prohibited [2]. Furthermore, open university spaces previously used for smoking will be strictly limited and moved to locations far from student transit routes and building entrances. Özvar noted that the goal is to prevent non-smoking students from being exposed to second-hand smoke [1].

Institutional Collaborations and Implementation Guide This project was developed through the joint cooperation of the Ministry of Health, the Council of Higher Education, and the Yeşilay organization. For the precise execution of this plan, a 'Tobacco-Free Campus Implementation Guide' has been prepared, which includes mandatory criteria and sustainability indicators for universities [3]. This guide helps universities systematically monitor the prohibitions and ensure the continuity of the plan's implementation. It was also decided that periodic training courses on the harms of tobacco will be held for students and staff [1].

Alarming Statistics and the Necessity of National Action During the ceremony, shocking statistics on cigarette consumption in Turkey were presented. Kemal Memişoğlu, the Minister of Health, noted that in 2025, more than 8 billion packs of cigarettes were sold in Turkey, and 120,000 people die annually in the country due to tobacco-related diseases [2]. Given that the tobacco industry primarily targets youth aged 15 to 25, Özvar emphasized that universities must act as a barrier against this threat and institutionalize a health-oriented culture among the country's future elites [3].

Future Outlook and Support for Smoking Cessation In addition to restrictions, the 'Tobacco-Free Campus' project includes support components. Universities are required, in cooperation with medical centers, to make smoking cessation clinics and counseling lines available to students and staff who intend to quit [1]. Özvar concluded by noting that this movement is part of a macro strategy to combat other addictions, including digital addiction and sedentary lifestyles, to provide a dynamic and healthy environment for future generations [2].