€2 million investment to anchor Moldova’s southern academic hub through UTM merger
The Technical University of Moldova (UTM) is set to integrate the "Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu" State University in Cahul, a structural move aimed at revitalizing higher education in the country’s southern region.
UTM Rector Viorel Bostan emphasized that the merger addresses critical resource shortages in Cahul. The government has committed an investment of €2.04 million (approx. 40 million MDL) over the next four years to upgrade the southern campus infrastructure.
Strategic consolidation for regional growth
The Cahul institution currently faces significant hurdles in human resources and competitive capacity. By joining UTM, students and faculty in the south will gain immediate access to advanced laboratories and high-tier research projects.
The merger is envisioned as a long-term process. While internal regulations will be synchronized immediately, full institutional integration is expected to take three to four years to ensure a stable transition for the academic community.
Addressing sector decline and past mismanagement
Rector Bostan drew parallels to the previous absorption of the State Agrarian University. He noted that the agrarian sector had suffered from "political patronage" and a "culture of quality" deficit before the UTM intervention.
The integration of research institutes into the university structure has already yielded results. Bostan reported an increase in scientific publications and a greater ability to attract international innovation projects through this unified model.
Transparency on political and tenure allegations
Addressing public speculation, Bostan clarified his brief 2025 tenure in Parliament. He stated his withdrawal was a strategic choice to return to academia, where he felt his expertise could provide greater value to the state.
Regarding claims that the merger facilitates a third rectorate term, Bostan noted that proposed Education Code changes would allow any rector managing a merger to seek reelection. He stressed that this is not an automatic appointment, but a democratic process involving the entire academic body.
Local resistance and autonomy safeguards
Despite the strategic benefits, the merger has faced criticism from local authorities and Cahul faculty. A public petition was recently launched to maintain the university's independent legal status.
To mitigate these concerns, the government has guaranteed that the Cahul entity will maintain broad autonomy and its own budget. Furthermore, no staff reductions related to the reorganization will occur during the first three years of the transition.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
