The Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi, emphasized that the right to education should not be used as a way to evade military service for Ukrainians over 25 years old.

He expressed this opinion during a meeting with the rectors of higher education institutions in the Lviv region, according to his post on social media.

Lisovyi also pointed out that Ukraine needs to establish conditions that prevent the abuse of the right to education. He stressed that university leaders are responsible for the students enrolled in their institutions.

“The right to education is not an indulgence from the obligation to defend the country [...] It is not just a legal issue, but also a matter of honor, professional reputation, and civic responsibility,” the minister stated.

Additionally, it is important to note that in 2024, there has been a decline in the number of men over 25 years old enrolling in higher education institutions compared to previous years.

Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykhailo Vynnytskyi attributed the decrease in male students to changes in the rules for obtaining deferral, which are now available only to those pursuing education continuously.

Furthermore, from April to August 2024, over 23,000 male students over 30 years old were expelled from universities due to academic failure or absenteeism.