Currently, the number of teachers in higher education institutions far exceeds the needs of the system as a whole.
This was emphasized by Deputy Minister of Education Mykhailo Vynnytskyi during an online meeting with representatives of the Progressive NGO.
According to him, the number of applicants has decreased significantly over the past 15 years.
"15 years ago, there were 630 thousand school graduates every year. Last year there were 360 thousand school graduates. Demographics show that the number of applicants has actually dropped by half," Vynnytsky said.
At the same time, the number of higher education institutions and the number of teachers in the higher education system have not changed in 15 years.
"I realize that this sounds very unpopular, but we have too many teachers today," emphasized Vynnytsky.
He expressed his belief that in such a situation, it is possible to increase teachers' salaries only if the network of higher education institutions is modernized.
"And when we talk about increasing the cost of paying teachers, we must understand that the budget is not rubber. Today, an increase in salaries or an increase in salaries for teachers is possible only if the network is modernized," the deputy minister emphasized.