A large-scale inspection of students entitled to deferment from mobilization revealed serious violations in Ukrainian higher education institutions. According to the Ministry of Education and Science (MES), more than 3,000 postgraduate students were expelled following control measures, as they were not attending classes or fulfilling academic requirements, reports the Baltimore Chronicle, citing Новини.LIVE.
The MES clarified that in 2024, a new mechanism for registering conscripts through the “Oberih” system was implemented, allowing verification of students’ actual presence at educational institutions. The inspections, launched in February 2024 with the participation of territorial recruitment and social support centers, uncovered that a portion of individuals listed as postgraduate students were not actively engaged in studies or scientific work.
Special attention was paid to students who enrolled in master’s and postgraduate programs after February 24, 2022. The ministry reported that a number of individuals unlawfully obtained deferments without a genuine intent to pursue education. As a result of the inspections, university administrations were instructed to review the lists of enrolled students and submit updated information to the MES for synchronization with the “Oberih” system.
Officials emphasized that a new wave of inspections will continue, focusing in particular on bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate students who meet mobilization criteria. The Ministry stressed that the purpose of these measures is to prevent evasion of military duty through misuse of educational status.
Earlier we wrote that the Cabinet of Ministers proposed updating the procedure for granting deferments from mobilization for students and teachers.