Every year, in the Mangystau region, over 8,500 students graduate from schools serving a population of 800,000. A significant portion of them – 700,000 – take the national entrance exam (ENT) and enroll in universities. However, there are only two universities in the region, accommodating 13,500 students across all courses.
Journalists asked the akim if it might be better to build new universities instead of gaming zones?
In response, the akim noted that graduates from the most popular university – the tourism college – are in demand by local hotels and similar establishments.
“Regarding universities, these 13,000 students study not only in Aktau. In my opinion, if I had the choice, I would want to study in another region if I were born and raised in Aktau. I, for instance, studied in Almaty at the railway institute. There, I made new friends and got to know the mentality of the whole of Kazakhstan; for me, there is no concept of east, west, south, or north, as I have friends living all over Kazakhstan.
In my view, it is better to move to another city for studies rather than stay in your hometown. It helps broaden your thinking, perspective, and simply to make friends,” noted Nurdaulet Kilybay.
He added that he sees nothing wrong with students moving to other regions. He mentioned that he would not keep his own children in Aktau.
“I want them to find friends, meaning that the path I took should also be followed by my children and relatives. I do not recommend studying in Aktau. Not because the quality is lacking, but in terms of perspective, as I mentioned, it is much more beneficial to study in other places,” believes the akim.