DUSHANBE, April 12, Asia-Plus  -- A special commission charged with assessing a level of knowledge of students at Tajik State Islamic Institute currently vets the first- and the second-year students, Education Minister Abdujabbor Rahmonov said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

According to him, they have been taking written examinations on the Tajik literature.  They also have to take oral examinations on the Tajik language and literature as well as history of Islam.  “Only those who will successfully pass all exams will continue their studies,” the minister said.   

Rahmonov also noted that two vice-chancellor of Tajik State Islamic Institute had already been appointed.  “Both of them have scientific degrees.”

“As far as the five-year students are concerned, they will pass final examinations in July and be given diplomas  of not State Islamic Institute but Islamic University named after Imam Tirmisi, on the basis of which Tajik Stare Islamic Institute was established,” the minister said.  

Islamic University named after Imam Tirmisi was founded at Qoziyot (the office of Muslim religious authority – currently Islamic Center)  in 1991.  Last November, by government’s resolution Tajik State Islamic Institute was established on the basis of Islamic University named after Imam Tirmisi.