Minister of Education and Training cum head of the State Council for Professor Title of Việt Nam Phùng Xuân Nhạ has been told to fully review the list of professors and associate professors that were appointed early this month.

Minister of Education and Training cum head of the State Council for Professor Title of Việt Nam Phùng Xuân Nhạ has been told to fully review the list of professors and associate professors that were appointed early this month. — Photo cafef.vn

Nhạ was also told to submit a report on the issue to Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc before February 20.

The order came after mass media reported that the number of people appointed professors and associate professors in 2017 sharply increased compared to previous years.

Data showed that a total of 1,226 people were appointed, including 85 professors and 1,141 associate professors in 2017.

The numbers only totalled 703 in 2016 and 522 in 2015.

The number of appointed professors and associate professors in 2017 was believed to be the highest number within four decades since the State started to appoint the title of professors and associate professors.

Additionally, the media also reported about 34 per cent of the newly appointed professors and 53 per cent of associate professors were believed to not have scientific papers published in international journals, a requirement for the positions.

The deadline for submitting files to be considered for professors and associate professors appointment in 2017 was six months later than normal.

The issue has called into question the quality of professors and associate professors.—VNS