I agree with the basic assumptions of the article “Nation’s Universities smeared by corruption” (May 17, page 1), including the argument that corruption “has a social and economic origin.” However, I have some objections to the point that “schools can’t stop it on their own.” There is a silver lining to this cloud: the experience of the National University of Kyiv Mohyla Academy.
Mohyla faces the same lack of funding that other state universities do. Unfortunately, despite numerous invitations, President Leonid Kuchma has never visited the oldest Ukrainian university. At the same time, the rector of Taras Shcvchenko University was promoted to the rank of minister by Kuchma’s decree, and the salaries at Shevchenko University doubled. As a result, an assistant professor at Shevchenko University received the same salary as a full professor at Mohyla, or even a bit more.
This means that Mohyla professors have to rely on themselves to seek grants as well as on the high prestige of Mohyla as a liberal and non-corrupted institution actively engaged in international exchanges. Some Mohyla programs are supported by Western grants, such as the master’s of economics program, though Ukrainian professors as a rule are not engaged in this program.
Despite The lack of funding, Kyiv Mohyla operates without corruption. Especially important is that students do not need “connections” to be admitted to Mohyla. An applicant must take a tough four-hour multiple-choice test, which is checked by computer. The whole test is known only to Viacheslav Brioukhovetsky, Mohyla president, and a few persons who helped to copy the test question sheets.
Even my friends can’t believe it. They say “Olexiy, we know that you won’t help us, but just tell us whom should we apply to.”
And the system works. Two explanations: 1) Mohyla was re-established from scratch. That is why, there were no old guys engaged in corruption; 2) the charismatic posture of Brioukhovetsky who made it clear to everybody in and outside the university that there will be no corruption at all.
So, it is possible. A lot depends on the style of leadership. I hope that other Ukrainian universities will follow this path.
Olexiy Haran
Director, Center for National Security Studies
