Baku State University (BSU) diligently fulfills its responsibilities in training highly qualified national personnel, forming new scientific directions, integrating into the global educational space, and creating cultural and spiritual values. Today, the University contributes new achievements to the development of independent Azerbaijan with its numerous graduates working in various fields of state administration, economy, science, education, and culture. Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Ilham Aliyev, who won a brilliant victory in the 2003 presidential elections and was elected the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan implements the course of preserving and developing the national-spiritual values of the Azerbaijani nation through successfully continuing the democratic, legal, and secular state-building policy of our nation’s great leader Heydar Aliyev.

Baku State University (BSU), established during the period of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, holds invaluable significance among the national-spiritual values and wealth accumulated by our people throughout history. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, highly appreciating the historical services of the University to our people, signed the Decree "On the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Baku State University." The Decree of great historical importance, states: "As a legacy of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, Baku State University, established as the first new-type higher education institution in the Muslim East, has passed a path rich in achievements since its inception. Demonstrating loyalty to the ideology of Azerbaijani identity, the University has commendable services in establishing the higher education system in the Country, conducting scientific research to modern standards with the application of the latest technologies, and generally accelerating the process of national self-consciousness.

lham Aliyev, the First Vice-President of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the 80th-anniversary celebration of the University (1999).

Historically, Baku State University has made significant contributions to the formation of Azerbaijan’s present face with its public-political, scientific, and cultural figures, thanks to the selfless work of patriotic intellectuals. The formation of creative scientific thinking based on innovative ideas, continuous improvement of prepared specialists’ potential, and raising the level of scientific-intellectual environment development, as well as preserving and maintaining the historical- cultural values and moral-ethical assets of the Azerbaijani people, are the main directions of the University's current multifaceted and extensive activities in the path of integration into the global educational space."

A significant role in achieving successes mentioned in the BSU’s Decree has played attention and care of Mr. President Ilham Aliyev, alongside the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. Special attention and care have been given to ensuring the sustainable future development of the Azerbaijani people and state, the progress of science and education, including BSU’s progress, and its transformation into a leading scientific and higher education center.

Inspired by this, the University community has started to organize its activities according to the requirements of the new era. Alongside with restructuring of education, changes in the administrative structure, and reforms, significant work has been done to raise science and education to world standards and to integrate them, new specialties, departments, laboratories, scientific and educational centers, and so on started their activity.

BSU uses all available opportunities to work closely with the public society. One such opportunity for the University staff was the "National Activity Program on Increasing the Effectiveness of Protecting Human Rights and Freedoms in the Republic of Azerbaijan" approved by President Ilham Aliyev's Decree of December 27, 2011. To ensure the implementation of Clause 2.20 of the Program, the Scientific Board of BSU decided to establish a Law Clinic under the Faculty of Law in 2012. The main activity of the Clinic is to help society make more effective use of their right to receive legal aid and to enable law students to acquire professional skills. Since 2013, the Law Clinic has become a structural unit of the Faculty of Law and started receiving funding from the University budget.

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, dated January 31, 2008, "On Some Measures Related to the Integration of Higher Education Institutions of the Republic of Azerbaijan into the European Higher Education Area," necessary measures were planned to accelerate the process of integrating Azerbaijani education into the world education system, particularly the European Higher Education Area, and to fulfill the requirements of the Bologna Declaration. To ensure the creation of a unified credit system in the European education area, mutual recognition of higher education documents and qualifications, student mobility, integration into European universities, improving the quality of education and knowledge, and meeting the increasing global demand for it, the preparation of personnel at all three levels of higher education—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral—has been aligned with the European Credit Transfer System at BSU.

President Ilham Aliyev speaking at the opening ceremony of the University's new educational building (2008).	President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva at the opening ceremony of the University's new educational building (2008).

To further raise the level of personnel training and align it with international standards, a decision was made to teach foreign languages in all faculties from the first to the third year and given the importance of teaching foreign languages, especially English, German, and French, new Linguaphone laboratories based on modern educational technologies were put into operation. With the view to accelerate the process of integrating into the European Higher Education Area, to ensure the mutual recognition of higher education documents and qualifications, and to upgrade the quality of education and academic organization of students by the requirements of the Bologna Declaration, English-language groups were created in faculties. Creation of several units in connection with expansion of teaching in foreign languages and as a result of increase of BSU’s international prestige rise in the number of foreign students studying at BSU, as well as their desire to receive higher education in the Azerbaijani language, the quality of teaching the Azerbaijani language was improved. During this process, President Ilham Aliyev’s Decree of May 23, 2012, "On the Use of the Azerbaijani Language by the Requirements of the Time in the Context of Globalization and the Development of Linguistics in the Country," and the State Program adopted on April 9, 2013, served as the basis.

Since the last educational building was put into use in 1988, the opening of new faculties, departments, laboratories, and scientific research institutes at BSU, along with the increase in the number of students, had created certain problems in organizing the educational process. President Ilham Aliyev, a great supporter of science and education, closely followed the construction process of BSU’s new building and, thanks to his special directive, funding was allocated for construction, allowing the building to be completed quickly.

On the eve of BSU’s 90th anniversary, one of the significant achievements in improving the conditions for educational and scientific activities of the staff, as well as strengthening the material and technical base, was the commissioning of a new educational building on September 15, 2008. President of Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony and delivered a comprehensive speech. In his speech, the President highlighted the University's role in the country's science and education, appreciated the efforts of the faculty teaching staff, and discussed the tasks ahead, such as improving the quality of education, expanding international relations, learning and applying new experiences, and sending Azerbaijani youth to leading universities for education as strategic goals.

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan of April 24, 2009, BSU’s 90th anniversary was celebrated with great pomp. At the jubilee ceremony held on November 2, President Ilham Aliyev attended and delivered a congratulatory speech. Evaluating the historical mission of the University to our people, the President said: “Baku State University has a very beautiful and great history. Established in 1919, the University played a very important role in the comprehensive development of Azerbaijan for 90 years. Baku State University was established by the parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic a year after Azerbaijan gained independence. This was a very thoughtful and far-sighted step. At that time, our country was very young. Nevertheless, the creation of the University for the enlightenment of the population, the elimination of illiteracy in Azerbaijan and the strengthening of intellectual potential was a very important event. As you know, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic existed for two years, its life was short and it collapsed after two years. However, Baku State University continued to live. True, it operated within certain ideological frameworks of that time. Nevertheless, Baku State University played a very important role in the development of Azerbaijan, the advancement of education and the strengthening of scientific potential. This role continues today. It is very pleasing that Baku State University has been able to maintain its leading role in the field of education in Azerbaijan throughout all these years, and today this role is even stronger. This once again shows that the University has very rich traditions, a great potential, the experience of its faculty teaching staff, and the importance given to education by students. Especially in the current conditions, everything is measured by the level of education. The future of every person, the fate of every young person depends on his knowledge, experience and education... Baku State University has made valuable contributions to the comprehensive development of Azerbaijan at various times. The graduates of Baku State University have made valuable contributions to the prosperity of our country through their activities “

Speech of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev at the solemn ceremony dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the University (2009).

President Ilham Aliyev’s speech clearly defined the main strategy, goals, essence, and implementation methods and ways of the future development of science and education in Azerbaijan, including in BSU, in the modern stage and disclosed its perspectives. During the jubilee ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev was awarded the Honorary Doctorate of Baku State University.

By the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of BSU and for its services in the development of education and science in Azerbaijan, 107 employees of the University were awarded honorary titles. Of these, 7 received individual scholarships from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 9 were awarded the title of Honored Scientist, 32 the title of Honored Teacher, 2 the title of Honored Lawyer, 1 the title of Honored Journalist, 1 the title of Honored Engineer, and 1 the title of Honored Worker of Culture. Additionally, 1 was awarded the Order of “Honor”, 1 the Order of “Independence”, 14 the Order of “Glory”, and 38 the Medal of “Progress”.

The University community actively participates in the successful implementation of the science and education policy of AR President Ilham Aliyev. Emphasizing the importance of developing the non-oil sector and human capital, President Ilham Aliyev set several important tasks for scientists. The faculty teaching staff of the University, basing on this strategy, strives to strengthen the scientific and educational potential of the country and prepare highly qualified, educated and patriotic personnel for the country.

The BSU community determined its responsibilities in implementing the measures envisaged for educational institutions by the State Programs ("Azerbaijan 2020: Vision for the Future" Development Concept; "State Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan"; "State Program for Increasing the International Competitiveness of the Higher Education System of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023"; "State Program on Azerbaijani Youth for 2011-2015"; etc.). For this purpose, the Strategic Development Plan of BSU was prepared. The document outlines the essence of the strategy to be implemented in the modern stage, international experience and trends in education, the main tasks of the education system in the Republic of Azerbaijan, the goals, directions, strategic objectives, and measures of the strategy, and the main conditions for its successful implementation. The plan states that the University's mission is to train highly qualified pedagogical, engineering-technical, and scientific specialists corresponding to world standards who gained fundamental knowledge, innovative research skills in field of diverse, continuous education & scientific research , and are competitive in the international and national labor markets, and who are educated in the spirit of patriotism.

One of the issues envisaged in state programs is to train a new generation of specialists using the most advanced scientific achievements and innovative educational technologies and to modernize the content and quality indicators of the Azerbaijani higher education system through international dual degree programs. It is a priority to study and apply international experience to support the development of higher education institutions. In this regard, due to ensuring the implementation of international dual degree programs at BSU is of particular importance, education of key specialities for the country’s development priorities is aligned with the curricula of leading higher education institutions worldwide and significant work is being done based on signed agreements.

Significant steps are being taken to integrate the research of the University scientists into world science and to bring Azerbaijani science to the international arena. Considering BSU's experience in international cooperation and foreign relations and with the view to establish and develop international cooperation in science and education fields, numerous steps were taken in direction of invitation of prominent foreign scientists, educators, and researchers to give lectures, expansion of business relations, increase of mobility of teachers, doctoral students, graduate students, and undergraduates. The State Program for the Education of Azerbaijani youth abroad was adopted to form high-intellect human capital, to support education of young people abroad, and to bring the advanced scientific and educational environment of foreign countries to Azerbaijan.

As a result of targeting to such successful activities significant results are being achieved today in the international integration process, education and science. An important event in evaluating the scientific research conducted at BSU and attracting young people to science is the “Presidential Award for Youth” established by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev in 2016. Young scientists from BSU are regularly awarded this prize. The “Young Talents” Lyceum of BSU was one of the winners of the "Best General Education School" competition held in the 2012-2013 academic year, according to the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev of August 6, 2013.

On September 18, 2013, the opening ceremony of the newly constructed BSU’s building of the Guba Training, Practice and Recreation Center took place, President Ilham Aliyev and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva took part in the ceremony. The center provides all conditions for the rest of 400 people. Rooms designed for both faculty teaching staff and students meet the highest modern standards. The 8-hectare area of the center includes two stadiums (for football, volleyball, and tennis), a central boiler house and water reservoir, a park, and greenery.

As a result of attention of Azerbaijani society to its first university its anniversaries were always celebrated as the holiday of education and science. In this regard, the celebration of the University’s 100th anniversary were of particular importance. According to the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev of November 14, 2017, “On the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Baku State University,” the Action Plan dedicated to the jubilee was approved by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on May 21, 2018. According to the Action Plan, a series of events were held both in national and international scale. The jubilee medal “100th Anniversary of Baku State University (1919-2019)” was established and a silver jubilee coin with a nominal value of 5 manats was issued for circulation by the Central Bank to commemorate the jubilee history. A BSU jubilee stamp was produced, books were published to mark BSU’s 100th anniversary.

On November 26, 2019, the jubilee ceremony took place with the participation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, who congratulated the entire Azerbaijani nation on the occasion of BSU’s 100th anniversary. The President delivered a program speech next to the faculty teaching staff, students and guests. The President describing the special role of BSU in the destiny of our people highlighted that the University has made great contributions to the comprehensive development of the country over the past 100 years. President Ilham Aliyev, recalling that BSU’s establishment by the decision of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, noted that the University continued its honorable activities in the new socio-political order even after the collapse of the ADR, and mentioned that almost 200,000 graduates of the University have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in various fields of Azerbaijan over the past century and prominent individuals, scholars, public figures, politicians, and specialists emerged from BSU's graduates . The President highlighted that the National Leader of the Azerbaijani nation and the founder of modern Azerbaijani state, Heydar Aliyev, was also a graduate of BSU and emphasized ULU Onder his unprecedented services to the people and the state in both the Soviet and independence periods.

Always emphasizing the necessity of developing education, President Ilham Aliyev addressed students with his recommendations for the future: “...Diplomas mean nothing, understand that. If there is no knowledge, no education, a diploma is worthless in the modern world. One needs to have knowledge. Because now new professions are emerging. Many of the old professions are becoming obsolete. Some professions that existed 20 years ago no longer exist and will not exist. This process will continue, we are in the midst of the 4th industrial revolution. It is already known which professions will no longer exist in five years. But we are a growing population country. Our population has increased from 7 million in the Soviet era to 10 million. Therefore, we need to master these new professions. We need to create opportunities for our citizens to acquire those professions. Therefore, both teachers have great responsibilities in this field and students must always work hard. Knowledge and education – these are what determine their good future, their secured future. They must be patriotic. Without patriotism, our country will have no future. Without patriotism, we will again fall under someone’s influence and live with the dream of independence. Therefore, patriotism must be very strong among young people. The youth should be educated in the national spirit, in the spirit of patriotism and based on traditional values. Such young people will confidently lead our country into the future. I believe that the absolute majority of today’s youth meet these criteria - knowledgeable, educated, connected to the Motherland, patriotic and open to the world. This should be the case in which the independence of Azerbaijan to be strengthened.

Independence was also at risk of being lost in 1993 if Heydar Aliyev had not come. He protected, preserved and strengthened independence, brought us to this right path. We follow his path, too, strengthening and will continue to strengthen independence.

Our independence is our main duty. Azerbaijan is an independent state, a proud state, and a state looking to the future with great optimism. Once again, I congratulate you and wish you health and success

To fulfill tasks arising from President Ilham Aliyev's program speech, BSU has prepared the "Action Plan for the Implementation of Tasks Arising from the Speech of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, at the Ceremony Dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of Baku State University

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, at the solemn ceremony dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the University (November 26, 2019).

By the relevant Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of BSU and for its services in the development of education and science in Azerbaijan, BSU employees were awarded honorary titles. Of these, 4 received individual scholarships from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 6 were awarded the title of Honored Science Worker, 23 the title of Honored Teacher, 6 the Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 1 the order of “Honor”, 11 the order of “Glory”, 2 the 2nd degree order of “Labor”, 24 the 3rd degree order of “Labor” and 36 the medal of “Progress”.

Thanks to the special attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, several important events have taken place in the life of BSU - in 2017 the University was granted the status of a public legal entity, reforms relevant to the main strategy of the state's development-targeted policy were implemented , important steps were taken to strengthen the potential of the faculty teaching staff and student staff and to align the material and technical resources with modern requirements.

BSU has become a part of the history of Azerbaijan in the 20th and 21st centuries. From its inception to the present day, it has been a temple of science and education in the truest sense, serving as a torch illuminating Azerbaijan's path to the future. Carrying this noble mission into the new century, BSU will continue to make invaluable contributions to the development of Azerbaijani science, education, and culture, thanks to the attention and care of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev!

Prepared based on materials from the book “Baku State University. The Temple of Science and Education of 100 Years” (Baku, 2019)