Lukashenko's Controversial Education Overhaul: Belarus Prioritizes Military Training

Belarus Restructures Higher Education, Prioritizing Military Training MINSK, BELARUS – In a move that has sparked controversy, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has announced the closure of around 50 university specializations. These cuts will make way for new programs focused on military and patriotic education. The decision, announced earlier this year, is already being implemented. "They want to teach new IT specialists, lawyers, and historians," Lukashenko stated in a recent address, as shown in a widely circulated TikTok video. "But they won't create electric cars or build nuclear power plants." The video also shows images suggesting a shift towards military training in educational institutions. The decision raises concerns among some academics and citizens who fear a further restriction of academic freedom and a potential increase in militarization of society. The closure of existing specializations is seen by critics as a sign of the government's prioritization of military preparedness over other areas of study. The new programs, however, are presented by the government as a necessary step to strengthen national security and instill patriotic values in the younger generation. The government's perspective is that this restructuring is crucial for the country's future and its ability to defend itself. The situation remains tense, with ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the implications of this policy change. The long-term effects on the Belarusian education system and society as a whole remain to be seen.