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Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca, together with Ombudsmen Mr. Ertunç Erkan Balta, Mr. Sadettin Kalkan, Mr. Abdullah Cengiz Makas, Mr. Özcan Yıldız, and Secretary General of the Ombudsman Institution Mr. Mehmet Doğan, met with youth at the conference titled “The Ombudsman Institution and Universities in the Century of Türkiye” held at Bingöl University.

In his speech at the conference, Chief Ombudsman stated, “The Ombudsman Institution, which exists in many countries around the world and acts as a bridge of peace in the implementation of human rights, is an oversight mechanism whose roots go back to the Ottoman Empire. Ombudsman Institution, which King Charles XII of Sweden, influenced by the influence of the Ottoman system, established in his country, has today become one of the cornerstones of the ways of seeking legal remedies in many countries worldwide.”

Emphasizing that a decision issued by the Ombudsman Institution affects millions of citizens facing the same issue, Chief Ombudsman underlined that their objective is to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected and the understanding of good administration is established.

Highlighting that universities not only expand the boundaries of knowledge through scientific research but also play an active role in the emergence of new ideas, perspectives, and values that sprout in the intellectual world, Chief Ombudsman noted, “This is precisely why these institutions of education, which nurture the nation’s intellectual capital, its scholars, and the future leaders, are among the fundamental forces that lay the groundwork for the future of society through the knowledge they produce and the accumulation of knowledge they provide. The rich and innovative intellectual atmosphere of our universities shapes the vision guiding social progress and plays a key role in shaping the future of our country.”

Providing examples based on several complaints lodged by university students, Chief Ombudsman explained:

“In previous years, a student lodged a complaint to the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye. He had been late in paying his tuition fee during the registration renewal period, and as a result, his right to education was suspended for an entire semester. We found this situation this situation inconsistent with the principle of fairness and issued a Recommendation to the university administration, stating that the decision infringed upon the student’s right to higher education. Consequently, the student was able to complete his registration and regained his right to continue his education. In another complaint, several students residing in dormitories of the Higher Education Credit and Hostels Institution (KYK) reported that limited internet access in their rooms made it difficult for them to access academic resources. Upon this this complaint, we corresponded with the relevant institutions, requested technical reports, and eventually, improvements were made to enhance internet access. Although this may appear like a minor step, it positively affected every student’s right to education.”

Stating that their aim is to transform Türkiye from a consumer that merely imports knowledge and technology from abroad into a leading country that produces, develops, and exports knowledge on a global scale through its own internal dynamics, Chief Ombudsman emphasized that universities lie at the heart of this vision. He stressed that achieving progress in science and technology, generating original ideas, and establishing high value-added production models is only possible through an academic ecosystem that researches, questions, and produces.

Chief Ombudsman underscored that building a Türkiye that advances through knowledge is achievable solely through the visionary and transformative approach that universities will undertake on this journey.

Chief Ombudsman, Mr. Mehmet Akarca, Made Contacts in Bingöl

Together with the delegation of the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye, Chief Ombudsman, Mr. Mehmet Akarca, paid a visit to the Governor of Bingöl, Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Usta as part of the “Ombudsman Meets with Youth in Bingöl” program.

Chief Ombudsman also paid a visit to the Deputy Mayor of Bingöl, Mr. Hasan Çeçen, and Head of Bar of Bingöl, Attorney Yusuf Ketenalp.

Following the “program, Chief Ombudsman and the accompanying delegation also paid a visit to the Rector of Bingöl University, Prof. Dr. Erdal Çelik.