Deputy Education Minister Zviad Gabisonia insists that the planned merger of Tbilisi State University (TSU) and the Technical University (GTU) is not an attempt for one institution to “absorb or swallow” the other. Speaking before the parliamentary Education Committee, where the government presented amendments to the Law on Higher Education, he emphasized that the state envisions a model of consolidation between two fully fledged universities, not a takeover.
According to Gabisonia, the newly merged institution will maintain balance in governance. He stated that the University Council will not be formed unilaterally by the ministry, and both universities will be allowed to nominate candidates. “Parity will be ensured,” he said, adding that the state’s decision to use the TSU brand reflects its historical significance and role as the country’s flagship university.
During the committee discussion, Gabisonia reiterated that the merger is designed to accommodate two institutions on equal footing. He dismissed widespread concerns that the reform aims to diminish or dismantle one of the universities, saying the government views this as a unification model based on equal status rather than domination.
Ruling party MP Lado Kakhadze also defended the initiative, using a metaphor to describe the merger. He said TSU and GTU are “two large liners” sailing separately, and the government aims to create a “catamaran” that relies on both foundations to reach a common goal. According to him, the joint structure will enhance academic prestige and strengthen institutional guarantees.
