On a day marked by mercy, blessings, devotion, and forgiveness, Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) hosted an iftar event for students following a similar program previously organized for academic and administrative staff.

The event, held at the OMU Life Center ceremonial area, was attended by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selim Eren, University Secretary-General Prof. Dr. İdris Varıcı, Rector's Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şener Şentürk, Assistant Secretary-General Mustafa Kemal Çayıroğlu, the Director of Health, Culture and Sports Güngör Kural, administrative staff, and 2,500 students.

The iftar, celebrating the university's 49th anniversary and its status as an "Aspiring Research University," served as an opportunity for fostering unity and solidarity within OMU.

Rector Ünal Emphasizes Skill Development at OMU

In his address to the students, Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal highlighted that university education is a process of developing individual competencies, stating, “Universities are the place where you can acquire the skills you see yourself needing, where opportunities and tools for learning these skills are all available. There is much to learn from each other in this environment and much to gain from the education planned within the curriculum. At OMU, efforts are being made to equip students with the qualifications that meet the expectations of the job market. The most crucial factor here is your perspective—how you view these opportunities and how much you wish to benefit from them will determine your level of engagement and success.”

Projects Enhance Practical Experience and Financial Gains

Rector Ünal discussed the transformative educational approaches at OMU, which involve mandatory graduation theses or projects in all programs. He explained, “This requirement is essentially an application of your education to date, a project to think creatively and to put those thoughts into practice, experienced under the supervision of your advisor. It’s a rare opportunity. At OMU, especially at the undergraduate level, we financially support student projects. If your project receives approval from TÜBITAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), it automatically counts as your graduation project. In this way, you gain financially and see a course or project requirement waived within your program.”

Rector Calls for Active Participation in Value-Adding Activities

Highlighting OMU's achievements, including being named the top project-producing university in Turkey by TÜBITAK three consecutive times, Rector Ünal encouraged both international and local students to take advantage of the Project Writing Training opportunities. “This is a great opportunity as it can exempt you from a course in the future and enhance your resume with a project that can facilitate your job placement. We urge you to participate actively in activities that can record the university's existing wealth of knowledge into your own ledgers as a value,” he said.

The iftar program concluded with the taking of a commemorative photograph featuring students and administrative staff together with the upper management of OMU.