A meeting of Rector Gajanin and Minister Karan: UNIBL – a symbol of higher education

The Rector of the University of Banja Luka (UNIBL), Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, met the newly appointed Minister of Scientific Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Siniša Karan, PhD.

During the meeting in the Rector’s cabinet, Minister Karan said that the University of Banja Luka is a symbol of higher education in the Republic of Srpska, and it has produced many experts in its five-decade-long tradition. The Minister expressed full support the further development of the University and emphasized that the ministry will continue with strong support in all segments of its work.

Rector Gajanin pointed out that after two enrollment terms for the first year of study, the faculties and the Academy of Art enrolled a total of 2345 students, who will get into the classrooms on 1 October.

He reminded that, thanks to the capital investments of the Republic of Srpska Government, the building that houses the Faculty of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Geodesy, and the Faculty of Forestry, as well as the Student Cultural Center, were successfully completed in the University Campus. According to his words, the Student Cultural Center staged more than 200 cultural events attended by more than 15000 viewers.

According to the Rector’s words, the University intends to increase the number of teachers coming from practice, and to make students’ practice mandatory for all students, over time.

Rector and Minister agreed that new capital investments directed towards improving the conditions for work and studying can be expected in the coming period. It is also planned to tackle the roads and green surfaces in the Campus, upgrading and insulating the Faculty of Philology, as well as constructing the educational center for pre-school age, a kindergarten, which will serve as a teaching base for students of the Faculty of Philosophy.

There are announced works in the interior of the premises shared by the Academy of Art and the Center for assistance to students with special needs, as well as the construction of a TV studio. Among the actual projects, particular emphasis was put on the project of energy efficiency and internal renovation of the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport.

The meeting that talked about the activities regarding the 50th anniversary of the University of Banja Luka was also attended by the vice-rectors; prof. Kristina Pantelić Babić, PhD, Prof. Dalibor Kesić, PhD, Prof. Aleksandar Ostojić, PhD, financial director Duško Lazić, and Secretary General, M.Sc. Đorđe Markez. In the delegation of Minister Karan, there were Assistant Ministers; Associate Professor Jelena Starčević, PhD, Zoran Bjelajac, and an advisor, Prof. Željana Jovičić, PhD.