On December 8, state and government officials, deputies of Milli Majlis, representatives of scientific community and rectors of several high schools participated in opening ceremony dedicated to 55^th year anniversary of Sumgayit State University.

First of all, rector Professor Elkhan Huseynov, university collective, rector of Ufa Oil Technical University Academician Ramil Bakhtizin and other representatives visited Honorary Alley, commemorated Heydar Aliyev and laid a wreath at his grave. They also commemorated prominent ophthalmologist Zarifa Aliyeva’s memory with respect.

Then, participants of the event looked at the exhibition of students’ handicrafts in the lobby of the big hall.

The jubilee event began with state anthem and then rector thanked to all the guests. He talked about university’s development way, success through 55 years and its goals in the future.

Rector notified: “I can proudly say that education has a great role in heightening a country’s reputation and making it known in the world. Frequent and powerful dynamics of science and education identifies not only national-intellectual potential of every nation, but also development tempo of its economic and military-political power. Well-established education policy and its main directions involve all spheres of Azerbaijani society. As Heydar Aliyev said: “Society cannot develop without education”. Thus, SSU has specific place and position.”

It is impossible to imagine SSU’s place in Azerbaijani education system apart from development of Sumgayit city and Heydar Aliyev’s activities for this city. From 1993 education reform together with political, economic and military reforms has always been in the center of attention. Sumgayit State University was founded in 1962. Sumgayit State University is one of those universities which may be proud of its activity and is able to solve prior issues in the future. During its functioning period as a branch, as an institute and as a university it provided industrial and educational institutions with highly qualified staff not only in Azerbaijan, but also in Former Soviet Union and made contribution to our country’s intellectual potential. Heydar Aliyev was aware of the role of Sumgayit in public life of the republic and with his order “About improvement of educational system in Azerbaijan Republic” dated June 13, 2000 Sumgayit State university was established. Also, setting relations with scientific-research institutes of Sumgayit stimulated the development of science and education.

SSU collective have not achieved all these suddenly. All achievements are the results of the policy of transforming oil capital into human capital by Ilham Aliyev. Moreover, the First Vice-president Mehriban Aliyeva’s activities in this sphere make Azerbaijan known as peace loving country and always ready for mutual cooperation.

Rector in his speech emphasized that Ilham Aliyev awarded a group of SSU co-workers with “Taraggi” medal and “Honored teacher” title. He deeply thanked to President for awards on behalf of university staff. Then, “Advanced education worker of Azerbaijan Republic” badge and honorary diplomas of Ministry of Education were introduced to several employees of the university.

Deputy Minister of Education Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated the university collective on jubilee and talked about scientific-pedagogical activities of SSU and state care for science and education. He once more congratulated SSU employees on receiving awards by the President and presented rewards to owners.

Head of Executive Power of Sumgayit city Zakir Farajov also felicitated the university collective. He noted that development of Sumgayit city based on historical traditions and transformation to one of industrial centers are results of Heydar Aliyev’s development strategy. Right now, Sumgayit is experiencing its new development stage. As a result of Ilham Aliyev’s reforms Sumgayit has become a modern industrial center. Now, more than 200 industrial enterprises working on the basis of modern technology are functioning in Sumgayit. Sumgayit State University prepares qualified specialists for such kinds of enterprises. Various projects are implemented at Sumgayit State University for improvement of cadre potential of the city. The policy realized under the leadership of rector Professor Elkhan Huseynov impacts positively on our youth for formation as professional cadres.

Academician Ramil Nazifovich Bakhtizin, rector of USOTU, co-chair of Russia-Azerbaijan Universities Association in his speech talked about the role and place of Sumgayit State University in scientific and educational fields; he congratulated the university administration and collective on 55^th anniversary of the university and wished new achievements. He also expressed his satisfaction for being awarded with title of honorary doctor of SSU.

Congratulation letters by Deputy Prime Minister of Republic of Bashkiria S.Sagitov, rector of Ukhta State Technical University, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Higher Educational Institutions of the Republic of Komi Professor Nikolay Chkhaday, a former oberburgomaster from Ludwigshafen, Germany Eva Lohse were read.

The event ended with university march.