Turkey's Education Minister Yusuf Tekin Defends Enrollment Figures Amid Fake Diploma Probe

Education Minister Yusuf Tekin explained that the recent drop in net secondary‑school enrollment rates is not due to students leaving school but to a mathematical outcome of the 4+4+4 system introduced twelve years ago. He said early‑starting cohorts graduated at age 17, which lowered the 17‑year‑old enrollment statistic, while rates for ages 14‑16 remained stable. Tekin highlighted ongoing monitoring of at‑risk students, action plans by school type, and a comprehensive follow‑up system covering socioeconomic and psychosocial factors.

In parliament, CHP deputy Prof. Dr. Kayıhan Pala submitted a series of questions concerning 419 cases of fraudulent foreign diploma equivalence in fields such as medicine, law, pharmacy, dentistry and engineering. He asked about investigations of education officials, disciplinary actions, the scope of the audit covering 450 files, and whether a broader review and new automation measures are being implemented. The Ministry of National Education’s inspection board has confirmed that 419 of the 450 examined cases were invalid, resulting in the cancellation of the related diplomas, though no criminal penalties were imposed.