On August 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the opening ceremony of the Nizami Ganjavi National Pedagogical University in Tashkent.

Operativ Media reports that the heads of state first cut the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the higher education institution.

President Ilham Aliyev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev then planted a tree on the university grounds.

The Azerbaijani and Uzbek presidents were briefed on the history of the Nizami Ganjavi National Pedagogical University and the conditions created for students and staff.

The Tashkent Pedagogical Institute was founded in 1935 on the basis of the Faculty of Pedagogy of the Central Asian State University. In 1947, it was renamed the Tashkent State Pedagogical Institute named after Nizami, and since 1998, it has operated as the Tashkent State Pedagogical University named after Nizami.

The university's alumni include numerous prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the development of Uzbekistan's literature, culture, science, and public life.

The university structure comprises six pedagogical higher schools, one Joint Higher Education School, and one master's department, housing a total of 33 academic departments. The institution trains specialists across 38 undergraduate and 31 graduate majors. With a staff of 730 faculty members and researchers, the university accommodates more than 17,000 students, including six Azerbaijani nationals studying as undergraduates, graduate students, and independent researchers. In addition, 250 international students from 13 countries are currently studying here.

The university places special emphasis on international educational programs, maintaining close partnerships with 15 international educational organizations and 127 universities across 20 countries, as well as UNESCO and UNICEF. It offers 12 joint educational programs and houses four international education and culture centers: Azerbaijani, Kazakh, South Korean, and Chinese.

Nizami Ganjavi National Pedagogical University has signed memorandums of understanding with Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Baku Slavic University, Baku State University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Mingachevir State University, Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University, and Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction. Within this framework, the institutions pursue joint scientific research, international conferences, academic and scientific exchanges, as well as cultural and educational ties. As part of this cooperation with Azerbaijan, the first five graduates of the Mirza Ulugbek Secondary School No. 1 in Fuzuli have received grants to study at the university.

A new university campus is also being constructed on a 40-hectare site in "New Tashkent." The project includes academic buildings for 20,000 students and dormitories accommodating 5,000 people. The new campus will also feature a Nizami Ganjavi Museum and university history museums.

The heads of state concluded the visit by meeting and speaking with the university's faculty and students.