Bosnian Capital’s University Revokes Izetbegovic’s Teaching Post

The Senate of Sarajevo University revoked the teaching contract of Sebija Izetbegovic, director of the Sarajevo Clinical Centre and professor at the Faculty of Medicine in the Bosnian capital, removing her as a full professor at the Faculty of Medicine on Wednesday. 

The decision followed an investigation into Izetbegovic's master qualifications, which the university revoked earlier on March 6.

"Today's decision to invalidate the professor's appointment is a normal course of action, and it is the University's obligation to carry out the process in accordance with that decision … until it is completed," Rifat Skrijelj, the university rector, said after the meeting, noting that the decision received the approval of 30 out of 42 votes. 

The powerful wife of the former Bosniak political leader, Bakir Izetbegovic, has been at the centre of controversy for years, after the senate of Sarajevo University could not find proof that she actually gained a master's degree in medicine, which was used as a base for doctoral studies. Izetbegovic says she studied in Sarajevo and in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, from where she lacks proof of passing exams.

The Senate stated that Izetbegovic "did not fulfil all the obligations in postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Medicine in Sarajevo in the manner and according to the procedures established by the regulations in the field of higher education in force at the time … that is, did not meet the prescribed conditions for obtaining the corresponding professional title of Master of Science."

Even before her diploma was revoked, Izetbegovic was at the centre of attention for the way she was running the hospital while doing other jobs.

Before taking the position of director of the University...