The University of Central Asia (UCA) has denied reports circulating on social media about the closure of its School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE) in Tajikistan, stating that its programs have been temporarily suspended rather than shut down.
In a statement to Asia-Plus, citing UCA Rector Professor Christopher J. Gerry, the University said the decision is related to licensing issues.
According to University, it has received notification from the Agency for Supervision in the Field of Education and Science under the President of the Republic of Tajikistan regarding the outcome of the review of UCA’s periodic application for renewal of the educational licenses of its School of Professional and Continuing Education (SPCE).
In line with the outcome of this review, UCA-SPCE reportedly had to suspend the academic programs of its learning centers in Tajikistan. Learners enrolled in these programs have been informed that classes will be paused until further notice. This decision does not affect the non-academic day-to-day operations of the SPCE learning centers.
The University is currently reviewing the implications of this outcome and remains engaged in constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities to seek clarification on the legal and administrative aspects of this matter, including SPCE’s future licensing options. The University is working to address the situation responsibly, with due consideration for the large number of part-time learners enrolled in SPCE programs as well as the educators and staff who support these programs.
It is also important to note that all academic programs of UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences, as well as UCA’s research programs, remain unaffected and continue to operate normally.
Tajikistan’s Agency for Supervision in the Field of Education and Science has not yet commented on the situation.
For more than two decades, UCA-SPCE has provided professional and continuing education opportunities to communities across Tajikistan alongside similar programs in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Afghanistan. Over this period, in Tajikistan alone more than 61,000 learners have participated in SPCE programs, gaining practical skills in areas such as professional development, entrepreneurship, science, languages, digital skills, and vocational education.
