Ukraine’s Education Minister Faces Dismissal Vote in Parliament – Here’s Why.

Lawmakers Set to Debate Education Minister’s Removal

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada is preparing to discuss the dismissal of Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovyi. The push for his removal stems from widespread dissatisfaction with his performance, particularly his policies on preserving the student body during wartime. Talks about ousting the minister have been ongoing for several months, and the matter is expected to be put to a vote once lawmakers return to the session hall next week. For context, Lisovyi has held the post since March 2023, and his tenure has coincided with the full-scale Russian invasion, placing immense strain on the education system.

Controversy Over the National Multi-Subject Test

Oksen Lisovyi currently serves as Ukraine’s Minister of Education and Science. A key point of contention is the format of the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT). Graduates are struggling to pass exams in four subjects due to stress, air raid alerts, and forced relocations.

“It is truly difficult for children to take four subjects. Over four years of full-scale Russian armed aggression, stress, moves, shelters, air raid alarms. You understand that when students fail, say, math, they leave and enroll in educational institutions abroad.” — Iryna Borzova, People's Deputy from the 'Servant of the People' faction

Discussions are also underway in parliament about potential changes to the NMT format for future admissions cycles. One proposal is to reduce the number of subjects from four to three, which could make the test more accessible for graduates. In March 2023, Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi stated he had no plans to resign, but that stance may shift amid these dismissal proceedings.

As a result, both the question of Oksen Lisovyi’s removal and possible adjustments to the NMT format remain pressing issues, especially given the need to support Ukrainian students in the harsh realities of war. The state of education is critical not only for individual learners but for the country as a whole, as retaining student potential could significantly shape Ukraine’s future. Given the ongoing war and challenging socio-economic conditions, further debates on education reform are likely to emerge, potentially becoming key to helping young people adapt to new circumstances.