Nora Taravari proposed as docent at Mother Teresa University; rivals file objections

The review committee at Mother Teresa University has recommended Dr. Nora Taravari as the sole candidate who meets the formal conditions for appointment to the academic title of docent, a decision that other applicants and observers say lacks transparent justification.

Contested evaluation and short application window

The open call in question was published on 22 September 2026 and closed just three days later, on 25 September, with a requirement to submit nine documents, among them a medical certificate of fitness for work. Despite the short deadline, three people applied: Dr. Nora Taravari, Deniz Memedi and Qazime Sherifi. The committee’s recommendation appears in bulletin 88, where only Taravari’s application is assessed and explained.

According to the committee’s report, “The committee reviewed the applications of the three candidates and found that only candidate Dr. Nora Taravari meets the general conditions for selection in academic titles according to the Law on Higher Education, with emphasis on Article 166 paragraph 1 point 2 of the Law on Higher Education.” The report does not say why the other two applicants were considered ineligible.

One parliamentary voice raised the matter publicly. MP Saranda Imeri Stafai wrote on Facebook: "According to public data, this is a candidate without previous higher-education experience… If this is the standard for 'meritocracy' and 'principles' that Taravari preaches to us, then it seems that the criteria have changed. That's enough of meritocracy. That's enough of principles."

Both unsuccessful candidates contested the procedure. Qazime Sherifi filed an 11-page objection asking the faculty council to obtain and show the selection acts for the committee members and to verify whether at least two of the three members were appointed in the same scientific field as the announced vacancy. Sherifi also questions aspects of the assessment, including missing information on her diploma average and the evaluation of co-authored professional works that she says relate to European integration topics.

Deniz Memedi told the press that he could not file a written objection in time because of urgent family obligations but that he shares the view that the committee erred. He said: "According to Article 173, point 8 of the Law on Higher Education, the committee has the obligation to prepare a written report for all candidates, evaluating each of their achievements. In this case, only one candidate was evaluated, while the two other applications were bypassed. I am convinced that the competent university bodies will determine the omissions and return the procedure for reconsideration so that all candidates are assessed under equal conditions and according to the same criteria."

Memedi also supplied his academic record to support his application: "I completed undergraduate studies in political science at the University of Southeast Europe with an average of 9.87, a master's in diplomacy with an average of 9.89, and a doctorate in political science and international relations at Yildiz Technical University in Turkey with an average of 9.51. I believe my academic background fully corresponds to the field announced in the open call."

The review committee responded in writing to Sherifi’s objections but again limited its additional information to Taravari’s academic credentials. "Candidate Dr. Nora Taravari completed undergraduate law studies at the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences of University FON with a grade point average of 8.82, as well as master’s studies in European integration at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University (UKIM) with a grade point average of 8.75," the committee wrote.

The rectorate, led by Bekim Fetai, says the selection procedure is not finished and that the responsible bodies have not yet made a final decision. "We inform you that the procedure for selection under the stated call is still ongoing, that is, the competent bodies have not yet made a final decision on the selection of the candidate. After the procedure is completed and an appropriate decision is made by the competent bodies, we will be able to provide more detailed information," the university’s legal service replied.

Sherifi confirmed by phone that she has also submitted a complaint to the university senate, asking for a re-examination of both the committee’s response and the legality of the evaluation. She seeks formation of a new committee and a full reassessment so that the selection is conducted lawfully, objectively and transparently.

Photo: press material from the event