By order of the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Akylbek Japarov, Kudaiberdi Kozhobekov has been reappointed as the rector of Osh State University. The appointment was officially announced on November 15 during a meeting at the university’s academic council, presented by Mederbek Omurbekov, expert of the Network policy department of the Administration of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, and attended by Bekzhan Supanaliev, first deputy minister of education and science.

Rector Kozhobekov reflected on the university’s achievements over the past five years, attributing them to the collective efforts of everyone at the institution, from staff to leadership. He expressed optimism about the university’s future success, highlighting the importance of continued collaboration.

Kudaiberdi Kozhobekov’s career at Osh State University began in 1997 as a lecturer in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science. He held various positions, including Deputy Dean, Director of the Department of Education and Information, and Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. He held the position of Deputy Minister of Education and Science from 2017 to 2019, and has been serving as the rector of the university since November 11, 2019.

Under his leadership, Osh State University has strengthened its international partnerships, launching joint double-degree programs with foreign universities. The university has achieved significant recognition, including being listed in the QS Stars university ranking with a “four-star” rating and ranked among the top 260 universities in Asia. In the IAAR Eurasian University Ranking for 2024, OshSU secured second place. The university is advancing toward becoming a Generation 4.0 institution, having built or renovated around twenty academic buildings in the past five years.

The university has pioneered e-learning and digital services, digitizing the entire process from applicant registration to graduation. In the past five years, faculty salaries have increased, and scientific achievements are regularly recognized. OshSU, as a university with “Special Status”, is on track to achieve and secure a place in global rankings.

Kozhobekov’s tenure also saw the development of a solid educational, scientific, and technological foundation, modern infrastructure, and a digital environment. OshSU’s approach integrates education, research, production, and commercialization to address regional socio-economic issues. In the past four years, joint projects totaling 197 million soms have been implemented, with investments from various international and governmental sources. Of these, 25 million soms are investments from the Ministry of Education and Science, 34 million soms from Osh State University and 138 million soms from international funds.

Over the past two years, 22 million soms have been allocated for scientific developments by university scientists aimed at solving socio-economic problems. Also, based on cooperation agreements concluded with the authorities of Osh City Hall and Osh region, research is being conducted on the construction of small hydroelectric power plants and alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power plants.

OshSU has introduced innovative initiatives such as the Future Generation Hub, a robotics center, and a “Protection of Mountain Ecosystems and Green Innovations” consulting center. The university also opened a business park to foster entrepreneurship and supports startups. The OshSU Business Park, aimed at solving socio-economic problems, also teaches young people entrepreneurial skills. Currently, there are 49 startups with investments totaling more than 13 million soms. With grant assistance from Enactus, eleven agricultural projects totaling 1.78 million soms are currently underway.

The university operates a medical clinic offering a range of services, including outpatient diagnostics, surgery, and intensive care. The OshSU Dental Clinic provides dental services in such areas as preventive procedures, installation and repair of braces, and surgical interventions.

Based on the decree of President Sadyr Japarov “On the transfer of the Osh City Clinical Hospital to the Osh State University”, a new seven-story medical clinic is being built on the site of the old hospital building in the city. When construction work is completed and put into operation, its structure will include departments for liver, kidney, bone marrow transplantation, microsurgery, resuscitation, surgery, hepatology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, nephrology, hematology and diagnostics and will provide modern medical services to patients suffering from liver and kidney diseases during the adaptation period.

OshSU and the Japan Agency for International Cooperation, Science and Technology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University are collaborating in the project “Development of an Air Pollution Assessment System Based on Satellite Data and Regional Chemical Transport Modeling and Establishment of an Air Pollution Research Center”. Within its framework, air pollution measurement equipment will be purchased. These machines will be installed in the cities of Osh, Bishkek and other regions. Then it will be included in the national air pollution monitoring system. For this, OshSU employees are studying at Tokyo Medical University. The total amount of the project is 5 million dollars.

Additionally, OshSU has signed a cooperation agreement with Xiamen Jinming Energy Conservation Technology Co., Ltd., a Chinese company, for a waste processing power plant in Kara-Suu, aimed at improving the region’s ecology and energy supply. The university is also active in commercial activities, including the renovation of its recreation centers and hotels, the creation of fashion and design workshops, and a thriving sports infrastructure with professional volleyball and football teams.

In order to implement the regulation of commercial activities of Osh State University, the “Recreation Center” was restored and renovated in the village of Toleiken in Osh City, a hotel for 37 people, three conference halls, and kitchens were built. The “Recreation center” was abolished and the commercial enterprise “Conference resort OshSU” was created in its place.

OshSU is the only university in the country that sponsors professional clubs. The school has professional men’s and women’s volleyball clubs. They have become national champions several times and won trophies. There is also a futsal team that won the Super League Cup, and the OshSU-Aldiyer football team that successfully plays in the national championship.

Kudaiberdi Kozhobekov has authored two scientific monographs, nine methodological manuals, 90 scientific articles, and holds six patents. He is a Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and a Professor.