Educational Innovations in Finland: Uzbek Educators Enhance Their Qualifications

Visit of the President of Finland Alexander Stubb to the Nordic International University within the framework of his official visit to Uzbekistan

At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President Alexander Stubb is paying an official visit to our country from October 29 to November 1. This visit is regarded as an important historic event in the history of Uzbekistan–Finland relations and aims to enrich bilateral cooperation with new content and tangible results.

As part of his visit, on October 30, President Alexander Stubb of Finland visited the Nordic International University in Tashkent. The high-ranking guest was warmly welcomed by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the university administration, the Honorary Consul of Finland in Uzbekistan, the Chairman of the University Board of Trustees Alisher Juraev, and the academic community.

The President was introduced to the Carl Gustaf Mannerheim historical photo exhibition, presented to the university by the Government of Finland, and a high-level meeting was held.

In addition, a presentation of the “Nordic EdTech & Innovation HUB” model took place. During the meeting, President Stubb expressed his satisfaction with the efforts made to strengthen the integration of education, science, and industry in Uzbekistan based on the Finnish and Nordic educational models. He also noted the progress in developing joint academic programs, dual-degree projects, and academic exchange initiatives with Finnish higher education institutions, as well as the expansion of the Work & Travel Finland program and gradual increase in student quotas.

It was emphasized that regular internships for Uzbek teachers in Finnish preschools, schools, and higher education institutions every two months, along with the organization of business forums, innovation summits, and international academic conferences in cooperation with Nordic countries, are becoming key drivers of progress in these areas.

In a friendly and sincere atmosphere, the Nordic International University expressed its commitment to further expanding the practical areas of mutual cooperation and implementing new promising initiatives in this direction.

President of Finland Alexander Stubb also got acquainted with the activities of the Nordic International School, one of the major educational initiatives of the International Nordic University.

During the visit, the work carried out at the school, which operates based on the best practices of the Finnish education model, was highly appreciated. The Head of State made important recommendations for the future development of the school and exchanged views on further improving the educational process.

Rowan University delegation in Tashkent’s ancient gem

The guests were given fascinating information about this unique architectural monument — a center of enlightenment and spirituality in Movarounnahr that, for centuries, has nurtured scholars and intellectuals.

The Kukeldash madrasah impressed the foreign guests not only with its historical appearance but also with how it embodies our nation’s rich traditions of science, culture, and craftsmanship.

Open Lesson: Logopedic Approaches in Practice

During this seminar–practical project lesson in the subject Logopedia II, third-year students actively participated in group work and demonstrated their creative approaches.

The students successfully presented and defended their projects based on methodological and didactic materials related to the field of speech therapy.

On October 25, 2025, the official opening ceremony of the Rowan University Center was held at the Nordic International University.

On October 25, 2025, the official opening ceremony of the Rowan University Center was held at the Nordic International University.

The Center was established in line with the instructions of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to develop the higher education system based on international standards, expand cooperation with prestigious foreign universities, and improve the quality of personnel training.

Organized in partnership with the prestigious Rowan University (USA) (https://www.rowan.edu/), the opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Higher Education, the Republican Scientific-Methodological Center for Education Development, officials from the U.S. Embassy, the leadership of Rowan and Nordic Universities, academics, media representatives, and the general public.

Rowan University, located in New Jersey, USA, is a dynamic public institution known for its innovative approach and has recently been recognized in U.S. rankings as one of the “fastest-growing universities.”

During the ceremony, the symbolic ribbon was cut by Dr. Ali Houshmand, President of Rowan University, an internationally renowned scholar and reform-oriented leader; Kungratboy Sharipov, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and the leadership of Nordic University.

Opening the event, Professor Sherzod Mustafakulov, Rector of the Nordic International University, emphasized that the establishment of this center represents not only an achievement for Nordic University but also a new milestone for Uzbekistan in the field of international education. He highlighted that the new center will bring new opportunities, ideas, and open the doors of global education for the youth.

Minister Kungratboy Sharipov noted that this day marks a historic and proud moment for higher education in Uzbekistan, stating:

“We express our deep gratitude to the leadership and team of the Nordic International University and Rowan University, as well as to all specialists who actively participated in implementing this project. I am confident that the Rowan University Center will play a vital role in preparing innovative, globally competitive professionals in our country. It will give new impetus not only to students but also to our entire education system.”

“The collaboration between Rowan University and the Nordic International University symbolizes the exchange of knowledge, innovation, and international experience. Together, we aim to provide students with globally competitive education,” said Dr. Ali Houshmand during his speech.

Dr. Houshmand was also awarded the honorary title of “Honorary Professor” of the Nordic International University.

Alisher Juraev, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nordic International University and Honorary Consul of Finland in Uzbekistan, noted that the Rowan University Center will offer educational programs aligned with U.S. academic standards for Uzbek and international students, as well as joint scientific projects, student and faculty exchange programs.

Distinguished guests highlighted that the establishment of the Rowan University Center is a significant step toward strengthening international higher education ties, integrating education and innovation, and aligning the training of professionals in pedagogy, engineering, IT, and medicine with global standards.