Students and faculty from the National University of Physical Education and Sports gathered outside the Ministry of Youth and Sports to demand the appointment of acting rector Mykhailo Rihan and the resignation of Minister Matviy Bidny.
The protest follows a series of controversies surrounding the university’s leadership. On March 31, Yuri Radchenko, who was appointed as acting rector by the Ministry, announced his resignation during a rectorate meeting, leaving the institution without a leader once again.
Earlier, on March 25, students and faculty had staged an emergency protest after Minister Bidny ordered the postponement of rector elections from March 25 to September 23, citing “official necessity.” This decision was made without prior explanation, prompting the university community to call for the cancellation of the minister’s orders and his resignation.
Despite these protests, the Ministry has refused to revoke the election postponement. The situation escalated when Radchenko’s resignation left the university in a state of administrative paralysis.
Olexandr Pyzhov, who served as acting rector until March 24, criticized the Ministry’s stance, stating, “The arguments presented by the Minister lack legal foundation. We prepared a draft order to cancel the election date change, which was sent to both the Minister and the Prime Minister, clearly outlining key points for reinstating the election process.”
During the protest, Minister Bidny did not engage with the demonstrators, and no representatives from the Ministry attended the rally. Students chanted for the minister’s resignation, expressing their frustration over the ongoing leadership crisis.
Students and faculty at the National University of Physical Education and Sports are demanding leadership changes following the resignation of the acting rector and the controversial postponement of elections. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to protests and calls for the minister's resignation.
Source: Стопкор