20.06.2026 14:21
Denials came from the rectorate and the deans regarding the claims that two deans were dismissed at Düzce University. While Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir stated that the authority to dismiss is with the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), deans Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kara and Prof. Dr. Recai Aydın issued a joint statement, announcing that they resigned voluntarily to prevent the university from being undermined.
Discussions continue regarding two deans who visited CHP Akçakoca District Chairman Tuğrul Abanoz and were allegedly dismissed due to statements made during the visit about the detained Akçakoca Mayor Fikret Albayrak. Düzce University Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir released a statement on the claims circulating in the public, clarifying that the deans were not dismissed but resigned voluntarily.
CONSECUTIVE STATEMENTS FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS The visit of Düzce University Akçakoca Tourism Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kara and Akçakoca Bey Faculty of Political Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Recai Aydın to CHP Akçakoca District Chairman Tuğrul Abanoz, and their dialogue regarding the detained Akçakoca Mayor Fikret Albayrak, sparked significant public reaction. Following the footage, allegations surfaced that the deans were removed from their positions, prompting consecutive statements from both the rectorate and the deans themselves.
A snapshot from the deans' visit... RECTOR SÖZBİR: THEY RESIGNED Issuing a statement on the matter, Düzce University Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir stated that the allegations of "dismissal" circulating in the public do not reflect the truth. Emphasizing that it is legally impossible for the university administration to dismiss deans, Sözbir noted that such appointment and removal processes are entirely within the authority and discretion of the Higher Education Council (YÖK). Rector Sözbir stated that they consider it normal for academics to occasionally meet with civil society organizations and political structures, but added that the dialogues and situation following the visit in question were deemed "inappropriate" by the university administration.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE DEANS Prof. Dr. Oğuz Kara and Prof. Dr. Recai Aydın, who have left their positions, responded to the allegations with a written joint declaration (sdlfsşdfşsdfsdsdsss.jpg) and confirmed that they submitted their resignation letters to the Rectorate. The deans stated that the purpose of the visit was to obtain "stakeholder opinions" for educational and symposium activities to be organized in Akçakoca, and included the following statements in their explanation: "In a part of the video recording taken without our knowledge, thanks were given for the support provided by the Akçakoca Mayor to our faculties during his tenure, and a wish was expressed for the trial process to conclude correctly for him and our district. We are saddened that our visit to the district chairmanship has been distorted and portrayed as a political support process for a case still under trial."
"TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE UNIVERSITY..." Prof. Dr. Kara and Prof. Dr. Aydın stated that they were concerned about the manipulation of the process damaging the institutional identity of both the faculties and Düzce University, and accordingly, they requested to be relieved of their duties voluntarily. The former deans emphasized that this decision was a "requirement of a responsible and ethical stance" taken to prevent damage to Düzce University, and thanked their colleagues and the people of Akçakoca for their support during their tenure.