Mohyla for the people’s money: Mylovanov’s initiative caused a wave of indignation among Ukrainians

Former Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine, president of the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) and graduate of the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Tymofiy Mylovanov made an unexpected proposal in his post on Facebook. He offered to buy the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, involving public fundraising for this. Mylovanov claims that such a step will not only improve the state of the university, but also make its management more effective.

He noted that the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, which is a landmark educational institution of Ukraine, needs changes in order to preserve its historical greatness and influence. KSE, as a private educational foundation, is able to make the management of the academy more flexible, modern and effective. Mylovanov cited examples of successful private universities, such as the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) and KSE itself, which were able to achieve high results thanks to their independence from the state bureaucracy.

He paid special attention to the issue of financing. Mylovanov proposed to raise funds for the purchase of the academy through a public fund to avoid the influence of business, oligarchs or international funds. He emphasized that private universities are non-profit organizations that spend all earned funds on the development of education and science. In addition, students who cannot pay for tuition receive scholarships or the opportunity to study for free at the expense of benefactors.

According to Mylovanov, the transition of the academy into private ownership will allow not only to preserve its traditions, but also to improve the quality of education and research activities. He compared his idea to Donald Trump’s ambitious plans to buy Greenland, saying his proposal was not a joke but a serious initiative.

“And the money for the purchase of Mohylyanka can be collected by a public meeting to protect it from the influence of business and oligarchs, as well as Soros! If Ukrainians are collecting for military satellites, then we will definitely be able to raise money for Mohylyanka, the most historic university of Ukraine, which was built at the expense of Mazepa in the days when Sofia of Kyiv developed and became Rus. What do you think?

If you think I’m going to be like Trump, I’m not! Just as Trump seriously wants to buy Greenland, I seriously want to buy Mohylianka.” he wrote.

Mylovanov’s statement caused outrage and criticism among social network users. Both politicians and ordinary citizens wrote their comments.

Pavlo Rozenko: “So all the people are “dumping” KSE in order to buy you Mohylyanka. And then KSE starts to earn good money from it. Did I understand the “economic model” correctly? So maybe we won’t dump on Mohylyanka, but on KSE’s purchase of a couple of companies like ArcelorMittal? Maybe even and not in Ukraine. So that you can earn like that already?))”.

Tymofiy Mylovanov replied to Pavel Rozenko: “Wrong. Because KSE does not make money, but effectively manages and develops it. And the people are hoping that KSE will be bought, and that the people will have a people’s university.”

Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze: “Is it for the money that Ukrposhta “voluntarily” collects from citizens for KSE from every postal shipment? Do I understand correctly?”.

Nila Nakonechna: “Many wanted (tobacco box, scarlet and food with them), but they did not finish well. Well, you can lust…”.

Svitlana Salamatova: “Good offer. I have a better one. Let’s buy MES and liquidate them?”.

Yevhen Hlibovytsky: “The Trump-Greenland analogy, that’s really the first thing that came to mind).”

Olga Krivko: “Mohylyanka is part of our cultural heritage, not a private business project!”

Serhiy Timchenko: “If we start selling universities, what’s next? Privatization of schools? Mazepa would not forgive!”.

Petro Lyakhov: “Suggesting people to raise money for the academy while they give the last for the army is just a mockery!”.

Olena Tkachuk: “Instead of such jokes, it’s better to help with real funding of education at the state level.”

Valery Sergienko: “How long can you tolerate the abuse of Ukrainians by people like Mylovanov? To compare the assembly of the Armed Forces, which is a matter of the nation’s survival, with his own vanity is the edge of cynicism. How dare he put the country’s defense and his ambitions on the same level? His idea looks like another attempt to cash in on people who are already suffering from war.And this after KSE is already getting millions through the compulsory levy on everyone of Ukrposhta! Instead of caring about the real problems of society, he promotes his commercial interests. People deserve respect, not such manipulations.”

However, some supported Mylovanov’s idea, noting that the current university management system is often inefficient, and privatization could be an impetus for change. However, the main tone of the discussion remained critical. Many believe that such an initiative is inappropriate in times of war, when society is focused on supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Whether this initiative will continue depends on the reaction of the public and further steps on the part of KSE and Mylovanov himself.