Kamchybek Tashiev opposes transition to 12-year school education

The Chairman of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS), Kamchybek Tashiev, spoke out against switch to a 12-year school education system. He shared his opinion on social media.

He noted that the education system in Kyrgyzstan has deteriorated, and until this problem is resolved, there is no need to switch to a new form of education.

«Proponents of the new system claim it will be more convenient for students to continue their studies abroad. But according to statistics, only 3–5 percent of school graduates pursue education in Europe and America. The rest continue their higher education at home or in CIS countries. Moreover, from a financial and economic point of view, we will face significant losses. More than 30,000 teachers and an additional 200 schools will be required,» Kamchybek Tashiev posted.

The head of the security services also added that one of the acute problems was also the equating of advanced schools with those lagging behind.

«If we talk about education in general, then we are moving in a very dangerous direction, since education in universities has turned into a simple system of payment, filling out grade books and accumulating wealth for some people. More and more people are receiving diplomas without attending university, migrate abroad, and this trend is observed in all higher education institutions. If 200 students don’t receive a diploma, but 20 receive an education through their honest work, it is more beneficial for the state,» Kamchybek Tashiev said.

At the same time, the head of the SCNS once again warned heads of higher education institutions about inspections.

«In the next two years, we will become a corruption-free state. We must all make joint efforts,» Kamchybek Tashiev concluded.

It’s worth noting that during committee meeting in Parliament on March 3, MP Kamila Talieva stated that the Ministry of Education’s initiative to switch to 12-year education is doomed to failure due to the shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Previously, it was reported that 25.8 billion soms would be needed to implement the transition concept for the 2025–2028 period.

In connection with the upcoming switch to the 12-year school system, several innovations are planned for the 2025/26 academic year. For example, some students may skip a grade, and children, who have completed preschool training, will be enrolled directly in the second grade, bypassing the first.