On June 24, Sumgayit State University (SSU) hosted an online scientific-practical conference on "The role of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University in the development of science and education in Azerbaijan" dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University (ASPU).

The conference was attended by rectors and professors of both universities.

Opening the conference, Rector of Sumgayit State University Professor Elkhan Huseynov greeted the conference participants, congratulated them on the 100th anniversary of ASPU and spoke about the important role of ASPU in Azerbaijani society. He noted that the successes achieved in a whole phase of the 100-year history of ASPU (1969-1987 and 1993-2003) are directly related to the unforgettable name and multifaceted activity of our national leader Heydar Aliyev. National leader Heydar Aliyev has always highly appreciated ASPU. At the solemn meeting dedicated to the 50th anniversary of ASPU, Heydar Aliyev personally presented the country's highest award, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, to the university staff. On the basis of the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, dated April 17, 2021, the 100th anniversary of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University is widely celebrated. Rector assessed the celebration of the 100th anniversary of ASPU as a manifestation of a worthy attitude to the work of people who have dedicated their lives to science and education in our country, the education of the younger generation, the training of an army of specialists for our independent Azerbaijan.

The rector also noted that the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University has always fulfilled its duties since its establishment, and has successfully carried out training of scientific and pedagogical staff for a number of other countries, including our republic. ASPU graduates, who have made significant contributions to the comprehensive development of our country, prominent scientists and well-known statesmen, are always distinguished by their professionalism.

At the end of his speech, Rector Professor Elkhan Huseynov congratulated the staff of the university on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of ASPU and wished the university new success in its future activities.

Rector of ASPU, Professor Jafar Jafarov noted the celebration of the 100th anniversary of ASPU at the national level, thanked the leadership and staff of SSU for the initiative to organize a conference dedicated to the anniversary. He noted that the Pedagogical University, which began operating in the national language in 1921 with only 6 students, today is proud of its more than 160,000 highly qualified graduates. Suffice it to say that 3 out of 11 presidents of ANAS are graduates of ASPU and they have led the temple of science of our country for 27 years.

Speaking about the reforms carried out at the university, the creation of a new learning environment and the successes achieved, the rector said that the university has undergone major reforms in the last 5 years in both teaching and logistics and has achieved significant positive results. As one of the great successes in the field in recent years, the dual degree program with George Washington University in the United States continues successfully, and it is planned to increase the admission plan from 25 to 40 next year. Starting from the new academic year, ASPU will accept students for MBA and SABAH master's degrees, as well as for the bachelor's degree in English in two specialties. In its development concept for 2025, the Pedagogical University, which is 100 years old, aims to instill in students two more components based on national self-awareness - digital knowledge and foreign language competencies. Rector Professor Jafar Jafarov said Sumgayit State University and its staff played an invaluable role in laying the foundations of national education, development of science and education in our country. He spoke about his contribution to Azerbaijani education and wished the university new success.

Then reports on the topic were heard: Dean of the Faculty of Philology of Sumgayit State University, Associate Professor Sevinj Hamzayeva on "The role of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University in the development of science and education in Azerbaijan", Professor of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Chairman of the Council of Elders Malikmammad Jabrailov on "The role of Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University in socio-political and cultural life". The speakers spoke about the contribution of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University to the training process in our country, the services of thousands of public figures in Azerbaijani society.

Scientists of Sumgayit State University, associate professor of Philosophy, Sociology and Political Science Javid Mamiyev, head of the department of Mathematics and its teaching methods, associate professor Khalida Hasanova, head of the department of pedagogy and psychology, associate professor Aytekin Mammadova and other speakers made speeches. Speaking about the history of ASPU, well-known graduates and the special role of the university in the pedagogical field in the republic, they congratulated the faculty, students and graduates of the university on the 100th anniversary.