On September 16, an event was held at SSU to mark the beginning of the 2019-2020 academic year and the Day of Knowledge.The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was sounded. The rector of the university, Professor Elkhan Huseynov, made an introductory speech. He congratulated the staff of the university and students on the beginning of the new academic year and wished them success in their work.

The rector noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, special attention is paid to science and education in the country. The decree signed by him on the next increase in the amount of scholarships for doctoral students, undergraduates and students studying in universities and secondary special educational institutions is a contribution to the development of education and an incentive for students to successfully study. The successes achieved in the field of education in recent years have become possible thanks to the ongoing reforms signed by the President of the state programs, as well as the work done by the first vice-president of the country, Mehriban Aliyeva, to update educational facilities. In the republic, the salaries of teachers are systematically increased, honors are awarded to educators, and presidential scholarships are given to advanced teachers and students. All this testifies to the state’s concern for science and education in the country.

The rector also emphasized that Sumgayit State University has undergone more than half a century of development, has a solid material and technical base, and over the years has trained thousands of highly qualified personnel. The university is expanding its scientific and educational ties with leading international universities every day. The university has created all the conditions for the successful education and physical development of students. Compared to previous years, in this academic year, students' admission to SSU has increased in quantitative terms.

The rector told the students that a new stage has begun in their life from today, which is very interesting, but also responsible, because what they will learn in the future depends on how they study.

Then, students who scored high on the entrance examinations were awarded souvenirs, a student ID card and a record book.

The event was attended by the chairman of the Council of Elders of the University, the presidential scholar, honored teacher Hasan Sadigov; Gunel Rahimova, a graduate and university employee; Jeyhun Gasimbeyli, employee of the Department of the History of the Azerbaijani and Eastern European’s nations; a student of the Faculty of Economics and Management, who scored 428 points upon admission, Nuriya Huseynova; a student of the Faculty of Philology, who scored 505 points upon admission, Aytan Iskenderova. Mehriban Aliyeva, Aziz Salmanov spoke on behalf of their parents. They congratulated students on the beginning of the new academic year, wished them success, and also thanked the university staff for their care and attention.

In conclusion, a university march was sounded.

It should be noted that the first classes at the university were dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Sumgayit.