Over 6,000 Students Graduate from UNEC
A grand Graduation Ceremony has been held at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC).
Hosted at the Baku Crystal Hall, the event brought together the university’s administration, faculty members, graduates and their families, as well as distinguished guests, including Emin Huseynov Presidential Special Representative to Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand, Assistant to the First Vice President, and an honorary UNEC alumnus. Other state officials, members of parliament, and public figures were also in attendance.
The official ceremony commenced with a solemn tribute to the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs, followed by the performance of the National Anthem. Subsequently, members of the UNEC Academic Council were invited to the stage to the sound of the university anthem.
In his opening address, rector professor Adalat Muradov noted the symbolic significance of this year’s Graduation Day, coinciding with both the 5th anniversary of the Karabakh Victory and UNEC’s 95th anniversary. He referred to it as a sacred moment where history and progress, triumph and education, intersect. Highlighting President Ilham Aliyev’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing education, he emphasized how this approach has provided solid ground for the advancement of higher education in the country, including UNEC. The rector also drew attention to First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva’s strong emphasis on cultural heritage, humanitarian values, and national identity in education, stressing that these principles are integral to UNEC’s mission.
Professor Muradov announced that in 2025, UNEC is graduating 6,017 students, including 3,740 undergraduates and 2,277 postgraduates. He described the day as a personal victory for each graduate, a source of pride for the university, and a beacon of hope for society.
The rector extended heartfelt advice to the graduates regarding their future paths and expressed deep gratitude to the devoted parents and dedicated faculty members who supported them throughout their academic journey. He underscored that the graduates will always remain an inseparable part of the UNEC family and wished them success in their personal and professional endeavors.
Addressing the audience as an honorary alumnus, Emin Huseynov, the Presidential Representative in the liberated territories and Assistant to the First Vice President, congratulated the graduates and shared heartfelt memories from his student years at UNEC. He reflected on the profound values and knowledge he gained at the university, which helped shape his life and career. Commending UNEC’s alignment with modern educational models, Huseynov urged the graduates to continuously strive for self-improvement, expand their knowledge, remain confident, stand out, and embrace innovation. He expressed confidence that UNEC alumni would actively contribute to the reconstruction of the liberated territories.
Following his speech, rector Adalat Muradov presented Emin Huseynov with a copy of his bachelor’s diploma supplement, proudly noting that all his grades had been “Excellent.” The unexpected gesture stirred emotional moments for the honorary graduate.
As part of the ceremony, diplomas were awarded to 8 graduates of UNEC’s Internal Dual Degree Program and 14 students who successfully completed the Dual Degree Program with France’s University of Montpellier.
Gunay Shamilzada, a student of the International School of Economics (ISE), who achieved the highest undergraduate GPA (99.2), delivered a speech of gratitude to her parents, professors, and peers for their unwavering support throughout the years.
After the official graduation oath, the UNEC flag was ceremonially handed over to the third-year student with the highest academic standing.
The Graduation Day concluded with the cherished and symbolic tradition of cap-tossing, followed by an evening of music and celebration featuring popular songs performed by Murad Arif and sets by renowned DJs leaving graduates with joyful and unforgettable memories.