Speaking at the Conference on learning and implementing Resolution No. 71-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in education and training development, held on the afternoon of October 24, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son affirmed that the arrangement of educational institutions in the system from higher education, vocational education to the general education system is a very important task in the coming time.
The Ministry of Education and Training is submitting to the National Assembly a Draft amending and supplementing the Law on Education, the Law on Higher Education and the Law on Vocational Education.
If approved by the National Assembly, from January 1, 2026, along with the Law on Teachers, 4 Laws will take effect. In addition, there are a series of new decrees and circulars.
Therefore, the Ministry of Education and Training has proposed a plan to implement the arrangement of people to take on the positions of secretary and head of educational institutions at higher education and vocational education institutions in December 2025 instead of waiting until early 2026.
"The goal is that when the new law comes into effect, the new apparatus will operate immediately, smoothly, without gaps" - the Minister emphasized.
According to the Minister, when the Law on Higher Education and the Law on Vocational Education (new) come into effect, the activities of the school council will end.
At that time, the Chairman of the University Council and the Vice Chairman of the University Council (if any) will also end their roles. Principals or directors, who are elected according to the term of the University Council, have also basically fulfilled their duties.
However, to ensure the transition period, principals and directors will continue to operate the school until a new decision is made.
"We will try to make sure that when the new law comes into effect, all stages are ready to operate according to the new trend" - the Minister said.
The Minister further explained that in higher education and vocational education institutions, there is currently no specialized position reserved for the Secretary. Previously, Party Committee Secretaries were often associated with the position of Chairman of the University Council. When the position of Chairman of the School Council no longer exists, the Secretary also needs to be rearranged in a suitable position, in accordance with the Party's management principles.
In principle, according to the Minister, the selection of people to take on the role of secretary and head of educational institutions will be based on the trust of the collective in the unit and the governing body will consider and decide on the most deserving and suitable person.
Special cases will be decided by the competent authority at the higher level, said the Minister.
The Ministry plans to issue a document regulating and providing full guidance on standards, conditions, processes and implementation methods in November 2025 for facilities to implement from December. The goal is that in the first days of 2026, the apparatus will operate synchronously, in accordance with the direction of Resolution 71-NQ/TW.
The head of the education sector said that in recent times, higher education institutions and vocational training institutions have had many questions, concerns, and even worries about how the system will be arranged.
The Minister shared these concerns, however, he noted that the purpose of the system arrangement is to strengthen units and educational institutions, to make investments more focused, key and effective.
"With a broken system of schools, small schools, difficult schools to enroll, schools that do not ensure quality, even public and private schools, if they do not meet the requirements, they will be the first subjects of the matter that need to be reviewed and arranged" - the Minister affirmed.
Regarding the plan, the Minister said that the Ministry is in the process of developing it, then asked for the Prime Minister's approval. The head of the education sector also called on leaders of higher education and vocational education institutions to demonstrate a spirit of party membership, exemplary behavior and high responsibility, to organize and manage the unit most effectively.
He also noted that localities, in the process of arranging without machinery, should base on practice, especially implementing a new model, the vocational secondary school model, in the near future.
