The “İstikamet Gelecek-4” (Destination Future-4) program, organized at the Beykoz campus of NUN Schools, brought together university candidates, families, and the academic world. On April 29, 2026, within the event held with the theme "University and Beyond," a panel discussing the academic transformations that will shape the world of the future was organized alongside university promotion stands.
Following the opening remarks delivered by Dr. Esra Albayrak, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the NUN Education and Culture Foundation, the panel titled “Paradigm Broken: University and After” commenced. Bringing together prominent figures from the world of education, the panel was held under the moderation of Yıldız Technical University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Tamer Yılmaz, with the participation of Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, Boğaziçi University Rector Prof. Dr. Naci İnci, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Rector Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, and TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center President Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy.
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur: "High School is the Most Important Link of Education"
Speaking at the panel, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur shared his evaluations regarding the education system. Sharing his 38 years of experience in academia, Prof. Dr. Okur emphasized that the most critical stage in the educational chain is the high school period. Stating that high school education, which follows preschool and primary education, plays a key role in shaping young people’s futures, Okur said:“In my 38th year at the university, as someone who has taken part in every stage of education, I can say that I believe the most important link in education is high school. At the same time, unfortunately, I also believe that it is our weakest link.”
In the later stages of the panel, Rector Okur also touched upon the educational awareness and vision observed at NUN Schools, expressing his satisfaction with the level of consciousness he encountered within the institution. Emphasizing the importance of raising young people who are preparing for the future world not only with academic competence but also with a high level of awareness, Rector Okur stated that such events are inspiring in terms of university–high school cooperation.
The university promotion stands organized as part of the program attracted considerable interest from students and parents. Marmara University also took its place among the stands, where academics and promotional staff answered participants’ questions regarding various departments, particularly Medicine, Law, Management Information Systems, and Psychology. Information was also provided about universities’ academic opportunities, campus life, and career prospects.
