The rector of KGU was sentenced to seven years in prison

The Sughd Regional Court found Ayub Usmonzoda, the former rector of Khujand State University, guilty of bribery.

According to Asia Plus, citing its sources in the regional court, the former rector of Khujand State University named after Academician Bobodjon Gafurov has been sentenced to 7 years in prison.

Law enforcement agencies reported that the case of the 53-year-old history professor was reviewed after a serious investigation and collection of evidence, and a final verdict has already been issued.

Earlier, Ayub Usmonzoda’s wife told the press that “her husband has been treated unfairly,” and he rejected the charges as unfounded. The family and close ones hoped that the professor would be exempted from criminal liability. However, at this time, neither Professor Usmonzoda, nor his relatives, nor his lawyer are available for comments regarding the serious charges and harsh sentence.

The Sughd Regional Court issued a verdict against the former rector of Khujand State University on June 26, 2025. Currently, the details of the case are unknown. The case has not been made public.

Professor, Doctor of Historical Sciences Ayub Usmonzoda was appointed rector of Khujand State University named after Academician Bobodjon Gafurov in 2022 by a decree of President Emomali Rahmon.

In May 2025, information about his dismissal from the position emerged. By Resolution No. 300 of the Government of Tajikistan dated May 28, 2025, Usmonzoda Ayub Islam was relieved of his duties as rector of the State Educational Institution “Khujand State University named after Academician Bobodjon Gafurov,” without any specific wording.

Several days later, media reports surfaced about his detention.

According to official statistics, the Ministry of Education and Science of Tajikistan and its subordinate institutions are considered one of the most corrupt sectors in the country, as bribery is widespread.

The government and other authorities of Tajikistan are also well aware that the main reason for corruption in schools and universities is primarily low salaries and a weak economy. The second reason is the numerous regulatory bodies in the education sector, as well as the greed and desire of certain law enforcement officers, security services, and other agencies to get rich quickly.