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Rector of Baku Higher Oil School Elmar Gasimov gives interview to AzEdu.az educational portal

Rector of Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) of SOCAR Elmar Gasimov gave an extensive interview to the AzEdu.az educational portal. The full text of the interview is presented below:

- You have been Rector of Baku Higher Oil School since its founding in 2011. You were only 39 years old when you assumed this position. What was your main goal 14 years ago, and what is it now? How has Baku Higher Oil School changed you over these 14 years?

- We are already living the last days of 2025, and we can almost feel the first steps of the new year.

In response to your question, I would like to say that over the past 14 years BHOS has achieved great results not through changes, but through its formation and development. Typically, changes occur in higher education institutions or organizations that have been operating for many years. However, we were created from scratch and have achieved the successes and high standards that you see today.

Of course, from the very first day of the university’s establishment, our primary task was to justify the trust placed in us by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us. The main mission of BHOS, which was established by the President in line with the concept of a new-generation university, was to train highly qualified engineering specialists through educational programs based on modern teaching technologies. Our mission was measured by the preparation of highly qualified, English-speaking professionals possessing theoretical and practical knowledge that meets international educational standards. Our main goal was to live up to that trust.

Although this 14-year journey may be considered a short period in terms of building a higher education institution, it is enough to look back to see the scale of the achievements attained. Considering that the histories of the world’s prestigious universities span centuries, we see that some universities in Azerbaijan have 80–100 years of history. Compared to them, 14 years is a very short timeframe. However, within this short period, BHOS has, in the true sense of the word, managed to become a local education brand. It has earned the status of a higher education institution distinguished by the training of English-speaking engineers based on modern curricula.

BHOS has already been recognized in the international educational arena. Graduates of our university receive master's and doctoral degrees at prestigious universities around the world, and successfully work in both local and international companies and transnational corporations. As an industrial university within SOCAR, BHOS not only provides high-level personnel training for leading sectors of the national economy, but also trains competitive specialists for international companies.

Thus, over these years, BHOS has evolved from a newly established university into an influential, sought-after higher education institution for young people.

- As you mentioned, there are only a few days left until the end of 2025. We'd like to know what 2025 has been like for BHOS? Which of your goals have you already achieved, and which remain to be achieved?

- Baku Higher Oil School currently operates on two major campuses. One is located in Bibiheybat, and the other in Ağşəhər (White City). The Bibiheybat campus, considered one of the most beautiful campuses in the Caucasus, was opened in 2017 with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

The year 2025 has been particularly successful for us, and I would like to inform you of these achievements step by step.

One of our main achievements is the opening of the Lyceum of Digital Knowledge at our university. This lyceum offers high-quality English language classes and specializes in IT. It can be said that a lyceum created under a new concept has entered the secondary education landscape of our country. Its distinctiveness lies in the fact that the lyceum’s development is supported by the academic and teaching potential of our university. This educational institution, which places a strong emphasis on technical knowledge, was chosen in its very first year of operation by students who demonstrated high academic performance. Notably, the student who achieved the highest score in the country (62.75) on the centralized entrance examination for lyceums and gymnasiums chose the Lyceum of Digital Knowledge. This choice is a clear indicator of the reputation and trust that BHOS has earned over the years.

Our second major success is that Baku Higher Oil School remains to be a choice university for highest-scoring applicants.  This is confirmed by stats released by the State Examination Center. Thus, this year, 36 of 102 Presidential Scholars chose Baku Higher Oil School, which is a record for the country. People often say to me, "You choose those with high scores." And I always answer: we don't choose the student; the student chooses us. If a student recommends our higher education institution to their family, friends, and relatives, that is the highest indicator of quality. I am often told, “You choose the students with the highest scores.” And I always reply: “We do not choose the students—the students choose us. If a student recommends our university to their relatives and friends, that is the best indicator of quality.”

Although our admission plan has increased three times, the tradition of 100% filling of the plan still continues. This year, two new specialties have been introduced: Data Analytics and Finance. The average admission score for Data Analytics is 658, and for Finance – 653.  12 Presidential Scholars are studying in Finance specialty alone. This shows that the BHOS brand enjoys a high level of trust among applicants.

Baku Higher Oil School, which initially only accepted students in Group I specialties, now holds a leading position in Group II specialties as well. According to the stats from the State Employment Agency, BHOS ranks first in the country for the number of employed graduates.

BHOS is also known as a university of startups and innovations. In 2025, our students presented more than 30 startup projects and won more than 20 hackathons. This year, Baku Higher Oil School was declared the strongest higher education institution at Teknofest 2025. At the festival held in Northern Cyprus and Istanbul, our teams won a total of 1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze medals and 4 special awards, which was the best achievement in the country.

The university’s international connections are also expanding. In 2025, the number of international students increased by 67%. Currently, BHOS hosts students from 25 countries. For the first time, the university has started exporting educational programs and is implementing a dual-degree program with universities in Uzbekistan. Sixteen Uzbek students studying Chemical Engineering will receive diplomas both from BHOS and from their home universities.

Our university also has students from the Congo. 17 students from the Congo are currently studying at Baku Higher Oil School under the memorandum signed between SOCAR and National Petroleum Company of the Congo. Nine of them were admitted this year. After graduation, they will work in the country's oil industry.

In 2025, the German agency ASIIN conducted international accreditation of all BHOS academic programs. The university achieved high results in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, in which it participated for the first time, taking second place in the country and 801-1000th place globally.

All these achievements span a single year. Behind each success lies a tremendous amount of hard work, energy, professionalism, and dedication. 2025 will go down in Baku Higher Oil School's history as a year of development and success.

- How would you classify the main stages you want to achieve in the areas of education, internationalization, and personnel training?

- Success is never fully achieved. Having achieved something, a person begins to think about the next success. In other words, goals are never final. New stages, new peaks constantly appear, and you strive to reach them.

Of course, we have new goals. For example, if the university currently has 107 international students, we strive to increase this figure even further. If we have achieved certain results in international rankings, we will work to reach even higher results in the future. This is both the goal and the success itself. Because repeating, maintaining and further developing any achievement is already a new success.

Three years ago we had 25 foreign students, two years ago - 45, this year - 107, and in 2026 we plan to increase this figure to 200.

- In your opinion, does the success of a higher education institution depend primarily on the effectiveness of management or on the scientific potential and professionalism of the teaching staff working there? In other words, what is the main factor that brings a university to a leading position? Strategic management or the strength of the academic staff?

- Success can be achieved through the joint efforts of the rector's office, administration, teaching staff, technical staff and students, who must act as one family.

Furthermore, we have such a wonderful company as SOCAR. It has always provided us with tremendous support in achieving our successes. SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf, Vice President Ziba Mustafayeva, and the entire SOCAR family support every success achieved by BHOS.

Every faculty member who wins the love of our students is important for the future of this university, because it means that in the future, educated and knowledgeable youth will choose us.

Therefore, everyone has a role in this process and everyone is equally responsible.

- One of the main criteria determining the level of higher education institutions is the progress in global rankings and the expansion of international cooperation. These nuances expand the university's capabilities and create practical advantages for students. What specific steps has BHOS taken in these two directions?

- First of all, I would like to note that practical training at Baku Higher Oil School has now been integrated into the credit system. Our second-, third-, and fourth-year students undergo two-month internships and industrial training. This is an integral part of our curriculum. After completing their practical training, students submit reports, which are evaluated.

Of course, in addition to international rankings, our first goal was to have a high reputation within the country. That is, as a higher education institution, we must be accepted by the country's education community so that we can participate in international rankings.

Starting this year, we've been publishing a series of reports with the goal of improving our position in international rankings. I believe that higher education institutions should participate in international rankings based on a stable and solid reputation, and their results should be perceived as credible.

-  Incidentally, we sometimes hear from representatives of the educational community that BHOS works more on its "image," but internally it still adheres to the classical system. What would you say to those who believe there's a difference between "appearance" and "reality" in higher education?

- Are there no lectures at Harvard? Of course, there are, but the hours of lectures and practical classes must be coordinated. Of course, teaching cannot be 100% lectures only. It is impossible to master practical knowledge without theoretical knowledge. At the same time, even if you have only practical knowledge, it is also impossible to start research without theoretical knowledge. Therefore, a certain amount of theoretical knowledge is needed.

For example, how can one become a mechanical engineer without understanding the fundamentals of mechanical engineering? To train a highly qualified engineer, it is necessary to combine practical studies with theoretical ones.

As to the image, I disagree with this approach. We present our students' successes at a high level, are proud of their achievements, and convey this to the Azerbaijani public.

- You are practically at the top of the list of university rectors actively using social media. Is your activity on social media part of a strategy to increase transparency at the university, or does it also serve a PR purpose?

- I've been active on social media for the past three to four years. The main reason is to connect with our young people and students on the platforms they actively use. Wherever my students are, I need to be there to quickly understand their needs and get the necessary information. That's the purpose of my social media presence. Furthermore, LinkedIn also allows me to establish connections with the public in the business community.

Facebook is primarily used by teachers, parents, and prospective students. Instagram is more popular among younger students. Therefore, we need to be close to students using various platforms.

Sharing young people's success stories motivates students and sets a worthy example for them. It's essential to consider all the tools available to effectively utilize artificial intelligence. Today, there's a lot of talk about the application of artificial intelligence, and everyone is curious about the potential outcomes. If people use it effectively and creatively, artificial intelligence will become an excellent tool for developing successful strategies.

- According to the results announced by the State Examination Center this year, several specializations at Baku Higher Oil School have achieved the highest passing scores in the country. Specifically, the Information Security specialization stands out. The passing score for this specialization is 681. Why do you think applicants with high scores choose BHOS?

- I believe the most accurate answer to this question can be provided by our students themselves. As rector, I can only express my subjective opinion and would not like to speak on behalf of the students. However, based on general observations, I can say that the main thing that attracts high-achieving students to BHOS is its transparent and high-quality education.

Secondly, an environment has been created here that allows students to develop their skills. At BHOS, students not only receive education, but also gain extensive opportunities for personal development. About 40 student clubs are currently operating under the university. Students have the opportunity to establish contacts with local and transnational companies operating in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, the university offers high-quality English language lessons, allowing students to apply their language skills in a professional environment. BHOS is a student-centered university, and studying here provides students with real opportunities to pursue their dreams.

We have a motto: "We prepare you for life and for the world."

We never strive for 100% enrollment. It's neither a priority nor a goal for us. We believe that if we provide a high-quality education, applicants will choose us. The path to achieving this goal lies precisely through quality. If we don't meet student expectations, it will be impossible to achieve high enrollment rates.

BHOS is a student-focused university, but that doesn't mean it's immune to responsibility for the quality of education or the subjectivity of assessments. On the contrary, getting into BHOS, studying there, and earning a degree isn't easy. But students know that after graduating, they'll be able to secure a top-tier career.

- If you had the opportunity to get a higher education again, which university and which major would you like to study at?

- In the early 1990s, the only university in Azerbaijan was Baku State University, while other higher education institutions functioned as institutes. I entered BSU in 1990. At that time, Azerbaijan was behind the Iron Curtain, and the Soviet Union was on the brink of collapse. My student years coincided with the most difficult years for our country. These years were a tragic period in Azerbaijan's history—we lost Karabakh, and the country endured severe trials.

The present years are years of victory for Azerbaijan. Today’s students are the happiest generation, because they live as citizens of a strong, victorious state. The return of the Great Leader to power in 1993 at the request of the people laid the foundation for our current victory. Under the leadership of the victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is today experiencing a magnificent period in its history.

If I were an applicant today, I would choose Baku Higher Oil School without hesitation, because BHOS is a higher education institution that can make all my dreams come true.

- What are BHOS’s development plans for the next 5 years?

- Our plan is to begin preparing the strategic development program of Baku Higher Oil School for 2026–2030. After this program is approved, it will be clearly defined what stage Baku Higher Oil School will reach over the next five years and which goals it will focus on. Our main objective is to maintain our reputation in the country and further strengthen cooperation with the industrial sector.

However, our main goal is to achieve major success on the international stage. It is especially important for us to train engineering specialists who meet the requirements of the global educational environment and the world market. The highly qualified engineers we train are in great demand not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the global market.

Therefore, our future plans include playing a decisive role in training specialists in countries of Africa and Asia. The first steps in this direction have already been taken: we have dual-degree programs in Uzbekistan, and we plan to expand our activities in Congo and other African countries.

One of my most cherished dreams is to open a branch of Baku Higher Oil School abroad.

- For example, in which country?

- I would very much like to open a branch of Baku Higher Oil School in Uzbekistan, the country where we first launched a dual-degree program.

Of course, as technologies are modernized, our academic programs must also change. I believe this process should be updated every year rather than every five years.

Our graduates provide us with the greatest support in modernizing our programs. They see which skills are needed in production and in the workplace and point out which innovations should be included in the curriculum. Some subjects that were taught ten years ago have lost their relevance today. There is no point in keeping them in the program. They should be removed and replaced with subjects that meet new requirements.

- Will BHOS be implementing any of its projects in Karabakh, in our liberated territories? In general, what are your action plans regarding this issue?

- By a Presidential Decree, Karabakh University was established. As Baku Higher Oil School, we closely cooperate with this university. SOCAR has already signed an agreement with Karabakh University. Based on this agreement, SOCAR, including BHOS, will launch a number of projects at Karabakh University in early 2026. A delegation led by SOCAR Vice President Ziba Mustafayeva visited Karabakh University, where a document on cooperation and development with the university was signed. In the coming years, it is planned to implement many large-scale practical projects jointly with Karabakh University.

- Another BHOS building is located in the White City. Interestingly, oil refineries used to be located there. Oil is still considered one of Azerbaijan’s most important resources. But we also need to keep up with the times. Probably in 20–25 years, or maybe even sooner, we will need people who can work with new technological equipment, rather than those who “draw oil from a well.” In this regard, what are BHOS’s main goals for the future?

- Academician Khoshbakht Yusifzade always said: “When oil production began at the Oil Rocks in 1947, scientists and geologists said that this field had only 10 years left.” But today it is 2025, and the field is still productive. Look how much time has passed. Therefore, oil production may eventually run out, which is natural, but oil and gas for us are not only raw materials—they are also the main foundation of our chemical industry.

Currently, the country's oil and gas fields are being developed, and production continues. However, one important point should not be forgotten: BHOS trains more than just petroleum engineers and chemists. We also have specializations in fields such as information security, data analysis, and process automation. For example, Turkey has virtually no oil or gas reserves, yet the Middle East Technical University trains petroleum engineers. Japan has no oil, yet one of the world's largest oil companies, Itochu, is Japanese-owned. Petroleum engineers are trained at universities in countries without oil, such as Germany and Japan. So what are these specialists trained for? The global labor market.

From this perspective, oil and gas engineering is our national profession. Therefore, we cannot neglect this field. On the contrary, we need to train more highly qualified oil and gas engineers so that they can hold leading positions in prestigious oil companies around the world.

BP annually hires 15–20 BHOS graduates. These young professionals then advance in their careers, gaining knowledge and skills. One of my greatest dreams is that in 10–15 years the number of Azerbaijanis in the leadership teams of multinational companies will increase. This will be a success and a source of pride for both our university and our country.

Why shouldn’t Azerbaijani oil and gas engineers play a decisive role in the world’s multinational companies? We have the potential and the conditions for this.

- What steps will BHOS take If the demand for petroleum engineering decreases or disappears in the future?

- The “Information Security” specialty, which we introduced seven years ago, is today one of the most prestigious majors in the country. Currently, BHOS trains the best cybersecurity engineers in Azerbaijan. If there is industry, there must also be business management. In this regard, BHOS today is the strongest educational institution in the country not only in oil and gas engineering but also in IT specialties. Therefore, I can say with confidence that we will remain at the top in the 2030s as well.

- You have also started teaching Data Analytics and Finance for the first time. What new specialties are planned to be opened in the future? Is there a law specialty among them?

- No, we're not considering opening a law specialization, as there are plenty of universities in the country that train specialists in this field. We're focusing more on artificial intelligence. Our future plans include developing renewable energy sources, applying artificial intelligence to engineering, and training specialists in these fields.

-  What are the advantages of working as a faculty member at BHOS? Is attracting new specialists alongside experienced staff a priority for the university?

- If you look at BHOS, you will see that a significant part of the staff are our graduates. For example, our vice-rectors and deputy deans are our graduates. We attach special importance to our alumni. If companies hire our graduates, why shouldn’t we take advantage of this? That is why we recruit young faculty members at the university and achieve very good results. They understand the students better, and the students understand them. From this perspective, I can say that our university has one of the youngest teaching staffs in Azerbaijan. Sometimes the age difference between a teacher and a student is barely noticeable.

- How are things going with the doctoral program at Baku Higher Oil School? Overall, what is the level of dissertation defense among our young researchers?

- Doctoral research has been conducted at Baku Higher Oil School for several years. There are more than 10 doctoral students at our university. Recently, our bachelor's and master's degree graduate Aida Aslanova defended her doctoral thesis and earned the title of Doctor of Philosophy in engineering. In 2025 alone, 7 of our scientists received the title of Doctor of Philosophy. I would especially like to emphasize that the Higher Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, headed by Famil Mustafayev, has completely eliminated bureaucratic obstacles in the process of submitting documents for the defense of young researchers’ dissertations. Now our young researchers can submit their documents to the Higher Attestation Commission very conveniently and efficiently, and after certain checks and evaluations, they receive their diplomas in a short time.  The transparency, flexibility, and efficiency of the Higher Attestation Commission in this process are noteworthy and commendable. This activity of the Higher Attestation Commission increases youth motivation for scientific research and also plays an important role in the rejuvenation of Azerbaijani science.

- In the names of higher education institutions, the terms “university” or “academy” are usually used. However, you chose the term “school.” Why specifically Baku Higher Oil School?

- There are many prestigious educational institutions in the world. For example, one of the most well-known higher technical schools of the former Soviet Union was the Bauman Higher Technical School, which earned a high reputation in engineering. Today, the London School of Economics operates in the UK - it bears the title of neither a university nor an academy. Our higher education institution is also called a “school” because it operates exclusively in the field of engineering. Moreover, our students, who achieve high grades, have shown that the name of the higher education institution is not the most important factor for them. Students choose us not because of the title “academy” or “university,” but because of the quality of education and modern academic programs. In this regard, BHOS is the only higher education institution in Azerbaijan called a “school” and still maintains its popularity among top students.

- Another interesting point is the absence of transfer students at BHOS. What's the reason for this?

-  We believe that BHOS students work hard starting from high school and achieve high grades. They put in a tremendous amount of effort to get here. A transfer student, no matter how good he is, may have a different quality of knowledge, including language proficiency, and may even demotivate other students. That's why we don't allow transfers. A student can leave our university if he wishes it, but it's impossible to transfer a student from another university here. This policy will remain in effect indefinitely.

- What mechanisms are applied in case of violation of ethical conduct rules by students?

- It would not be correct to call it punishment, but certain sanctions are applied. For example, we apply an anti-plagiarism system. If a student plagiarizes and 25% of the work is plagiarism, sanctions are applied to him. If the same student receives a reprimand twice, he can be expelled from the university.

Plagiarism is also intellectual property theft. BHOS is one of two higher education institutions in Azerbaijan that has joined the Turnitin system. This was done to maintain quality. In addition, BHOS students participate in orientation programs. A first-year student signs to confirm that he has completed the program. Thus, after 1 year, there is no room for complaints like “why did you apply this to me?”

Smoking is strictly prohibited both inside and outside the university. Disciplinary rules are strictly enforced and there are no exceptions for anyone.

- Have you ever encountered students who broke the rules?

- Students come from different backgrounds and enter here to prepare for the corporate environment. Here they grow both in terms of personality and professional skills. Most violations occur in the I and II years. However, over time, students become more disciplined.

We do not just provide knowledge and skills; we also teach the skills necessary for working in a corporate environment in the future. A student must understand that they are not coming to classes, but to work. Missing a class is tantamount to being absent from work without a valid reason.

That's why our graduates tell me, "We're not leaving university for a company, but rather from one company to another." Sometimes, rules are violated, but we don't expel students. If a student seriously violates the rules, they are offered an alternative transfer to another university. Because they have high grades, they can easily take advantage of these opportunities.

- Practical experience plays a crucial role in students' adaptation to the labor market. The university was established within SOCAR. What obligations does this impose on BHOS?

- SOCAR has a very good Young Talents Program. This program is intended not only for BHOS, but for all universities in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, since BHOS is part of SOCAR, we send our students on internships from their second year onward. Internships are an integral part of the curriculum. We cooperate not only with local and multinational companies operating in the country but also with foreign companies.

- What is the most ambitious plan you want to implement regarding BHOS?

- One of my main plans is to include BHOS among the most prestigious global rankings. Representing our country at a high level is our greatest desire. Of course, our other priority is raising worthy citizens of our country. We prepare our students not only to be erudite, but also to be patriots, devoted to the state and loving their homeland. We always tell them: "You are the intellectual soldiers of our country."

-  Is there a university in Azerbaijan that can compete with BHOS?

- We view Azerbaijani universities not as competitors, but as partners. We also involve them in our projects. For example, we cooperate with Sumgayit State University and Nakhchivan State University. We launched a “Cybersecurity” program jointly with NSU. We maintain friendly relations with rectors of all local universities. However, we compete more with prestigious universities around the world.