Presidential Advisor Malіk Otarbayev Met with the Staff of Abai University

On April 19, 2025, the Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Malik Otarbayev, paid an official visit to Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

As part of the visit, Malik Otarbayev met with the university`s management board, faculty members, and staff to get acquainted with the academic institution`s activities and development. The distinguished guest was welcomed by the Chairman of the Board - Rector Bolat Tilep, who provided a comprehensive overview of the university`s history, its current status, and strategic development plans for the future. The guest also toured the university museum, viewing historical artifacts and achievements of the institution.

During the meeting, the key issues and tasks raised by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, at the IV session of the National Kurultai were discussed in detail. Participants addressed topics such as enhancing the national education system, providing quality education and upbringing to the younger generation, and increasing the role of pedagogical universities.

In his speech, Rector Bolat Tilep emphasized the President`s special attention to education and science, noting the university`s responsibility and crucial role in this area. He stated that today`s meeting offers a significant opportunity to exchange views on pressing issues in education and to identify future tasks.

Prominent scholars of the country also delivered presentations during the meeting, including academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Kazakhstan and Doctor of Historical Sciences Mambet Koigeldiev, Doctor of Philological Sciences and Professor Baltabai Abdigaziuly, and Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Honorary Academician of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Kazakhstan Berikzhan Almakhambetov. They shared in-depth thoughts on the relationship between national education and upbringing, as well as current issues in the pedagogical education system.

Professor Baltabai Abdigaziuly focused on the historical continuity of the national higher education system, stating:
"The golden thread that connects past history with today`s reality is the preparation of competitive professionals who can contribute to the spiritual and social development of our country. As a pioneering institution in higher education in Kazakhstan, Abai University has been honorably fulfilling this mission."

Historian Mambet Koigeldiev emphasized the special importance of education and upbringing in modern society, highlighting the university`s leadership role in this area. He pointed out the critical importance of the university`s material and technical base, along with its qualified teaching staff, in the training of high-quality pedagogues. He also stressed the importance of maintaining pedagogical direction in higher education institutions.

Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences Berikzhan Almakhambetov spoke about the significance of the President`s initiatives for the pedagogical community, particularly within the framework of the "Kazakhstan`s Children" program, which promotes holistic upbringing and inclusive education.

"These initiatives aim to raise patriotic, educated, and creative youth, and such qualities form the essence of a true and honest citizen. The President`s support for the concept of the `Honest Citizen` proposed at the Kurultai gives us great encouragement," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship between pedagogical universities and schools, noting that Abai University is already actively working in this direction. Recalling the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayuly this year, he mentioned the President`s directive from five years ago to establish the Abai Institute.

"The President envisioned this structure to operate on an international level, similar to the Confucius, Goethe, and Cervantes Institutes. Today, students of Mekemtas Myrzakhmetuly are conducting systematic work to widely promote Abai`s ideas. Abai centers have already opened in China, Turkey, and other countries, and expansion efforts are underway," the professor added.

Presidential Advisor Malik Nurzhanuly Otarbayev began his speech by conveying the warm greetings of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He then elaborated on the 53 specific tasks presented during the National Kurultai. The advisor highlighted that these tasks are not just theoretical but are being practically implemented through regular meetings with professionals from all regions of the country, including those from education, healthcare, sports, law enforcement, religious, and military sectors.

"The President`s speech at the National Kurultai is a document of national importance. It outlines the solutions to the political, social, and spiritual challenges facing our country. In today`s complex geopolitical situation, our top priorities are preserving the state, strengthening independence, and maintaining national unity," said Malik Nurzhanuly.

During the meeting, the Presidential Advisor also reminded that 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the official return of the term "Kazakh" and stressed the importance of preserving the historical memory and spiritual identity of the people. He paid tribute to prominent figures such as Saken Seifullin, Turar Ryskulov, Sultanbek Khojanov, and Mukhamedzhan Tynyshpaev, calling for the recognition of their contributions to nation-building.

Malik Otarbayev also emphasized the special role of professional communities - historians, literary scholars, and theologians - in promoting national values and reviving historical consciousness, stressing the importance of relying on their scientific perspectives and suggestions.

"Justice, rule of law, unity, and solidarity - these are the values we need most today. Our President continues to promote these principles consistently," he concluded.

At the end of the meeting, the staff of Abai University expressed their honor and responsibility in hosting the event and affirmed their readiness to work together to implement the strategic goals outlined by the Head of State.