It’s now the sixth day since students began blocking the rectorate building in Nis, despite initially planning to remain there for just three. Based on early discussions and initial expectations, their demands—outlined in a formal platform—were supposed to be reviewed and signed by the rector and faculty deans. However, as reported by N1, students say the promised signing never took place.
Although several meetings were scheduled, no face-to-face dialogue has occurred. Instead, all communication has remained limited to phone calls. As of this morning, none of the university staff have shown up for work.
Luka Djordjevic, a student at the faculty of medicine, says students are still waiting for the rector in hopes that the platform might finally be signed. Yet, they have no confirmation that this will happen.
“Our position hasn’t changed,” Djordjevic stated. “The blockade will continue until all deans and the university administration agree with the students’ demands. We believe classes at the University of Nis should be designed to actually educate students. Simply holding online lectures to check a box does nothing for real learning. We’re ready to study—we want proper teaching—but not under these conditions.”
He added that despite receiving no official word from the rector, media outlets are reporting that online instruction will be implemented across all faculties.
Commenting on the situation at the faculty of medicine, where exams have already started, Djordjevic said rules and standards appear to have collapsed entirely.
“Exams are being conducted online, and grades are recorded without signatures, because even professors are afraid to put their names next to such grades under these circumstances. Still, they’re pressured by deans who blindly push for classes to continue without any legal foundation, violating all possible regulations,” he said. “We’ve already contacted the relevant inspection authority, but we haven’t heard back. It’s like the Wild West at our faculty.”
He emphasized that students are prepared to maintain the blockade until all deans at the university sign their platform.
“It’s the duty of every dean to stand behind their students and say, ‘We’re ready to work with you.’ These classes are meant for us, and we have a right to be part of the process. Forcing education under these conditions only serves higher interests—not the students.”
