Proposal for a pilot program to recognize professors and associate professors and to allow universities to determine the number of vice-rectors.

The proposal suggests piloting a system for recognizing professorships and associate professorships, and allowing universities to independently determine the number of vice-rectors.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Member of the Political Bureau, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party, Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department (second from the right), attended the seminar this morning at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

Photo: Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

The proposal to allow a pilot program for the recognition of professorial and associate professorial titles was put forward by the Director of the Institute for Policy Development at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City during the national scientific conference "Modernizing and elevating Vietnamese higher education , creating breakthroughs in the development of high-level human resources and talents, leading research and innovation," jointly organized by the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, the Party Committee of the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City this morning (October 24).

The workshop aimed to disseminate and guide the implementation of Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2025, of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development, especially those related to higher education; to raise awareness, and to propose specific recommendations for breakthroughs to modernize and elevate Vietnamese higher education. Mr. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Member of the Politburo, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party, and Head of the Central Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department, attended and delivered a keynote address. The workshop was attended by leaders of central and local departments, ministries, and agencies, as well as managers, scientists , and leading experts in the field of education.

Associate Professor Dr. Do Phu Tran Tinh, Director of the Institute for Policy Development at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, presented his proposal at the workshop.

Photo: Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City

Should some key universities be allowed to decide the number of vice-rectors themselves?

At the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Do Phu Tran Tinh, Director of the Institute for Policy Development at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, presented several proposals to strengthen the decentralization and delegation of authority at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City in the context of implementing Resolution 71 of the Politburo.

Firstly, the mechanism of decentralization and delegation of authority regarding organizational structure and personnel at financially autonomous public educational institutions still has many shortcomings. For example, a university with 40,000 or 4,000 students can only have a maximum of 3 vice-rectors, which is inappropriate. According to Mr. Tinh, it is necessary to allow pilot programs for autonomy in some key universities regarding the regulation of organizational structure and personnel.

"The proposal suggests allowing some key universities to independently determine the number of vice rectors and the structure of departments based on their size, operational characteristics, and practical needs, coupled with a mechanism for monitoring and evaluating effectiveness to ensure transparency and accountability," Associate Professor Dr. Do Phu Tran Tinh commented.

Proposal for a pilot program of self-assessment and recognition of Professors and Associate Professors.

The Director of the Institute for Policy Development at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City also stated that there is no mechanism for decentralization and delegation of authority in the review, recognition, and management of academic titles. For example, the process of reviewing and appointing professors and associate professors in Vietnam involves four councils. "Four councils is too cumbersome and inappropriate. At just the institutional and disciplinary councils, a candidate needs to submit up to 50 documents," Associate Professor Tinh said.

Furthermore, the term for appointing professors and associate professors is 5 years. At the end of the term, a review and evaluation are conducted for reappointment. However, even if not reappointed, those who have met the standards still retain the title of professor or associate professor and may be appointed to other institutions. Meanwhile, many criteria are "quantitative" but "qualitative"...

Based on the above situation, Associate Professor Tinh proposed a pilot program for the review and recognition of professorial and associate professorial titles at some key universities. This mechanism could be applied to leading, multidisciplinary higher education institutions with strong reputations and scientific potential, and a large number of leading scientists. These institutions would be allowed to independently review and recognize the qualifications and appoint professors and associate professors based on compliance with the general standards issued by the Prime Minister.

"The accreditation results from these institutions have legal validity nationwide. In particular, there needs to be more flexibility for exceptionally talented scientists. The proposed pilot period is 3 years," stated the Director of the Institute for Policy Development at the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/de-xuat-thi-diem-xet-cong-nhan-gs-pgs-va-tu-quyet-so-luong-pho-hieu-truong-185251024093220383.htm