Dili, May 15, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Rector of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), João Soares Martins, confirmed that he has received a report from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMCS) regarding the student protest organized by the academic student association against FMCS on 12 May 2025.
In an interview, UNTL Rector João Soares Martins stated that following the incident at the Faculty on 12 May, the Dean of FMCS submitted the report to the Rector on 13 May 2025.
“I have received the report from the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. As Rector, I will review the issues that occurred within the Faculty, and tomorrow or the day after, I will meet with the Faculty leadership to discuss the situation further,” said Rector João Soares Martins.
He emphasized that students must understand their primary duty is to study, as acquiring knowledge is essential to contributing to the nation’s development. He reminded them that students represent the future generation responsible for continuing Timor-Leste’s progress.
“The issues being raised must be based on facts or data so that, if necessary, proper measures can be taken to resolve them,” he added.
The Rector also stressed that defaming individuals publicly is unacceptable, and the University will take action against those who have publicly accused lecturers without presenting evidence of any wrongdoing.
“I will analyze the report submitted by the Dean of the Faculty and the letter from the Senate, which has already reached my office. As I said earlier, I will meet with the Faculty’s leadership to assess and evaluate the situation. If necessary, we will move forward with appropriate procedures. However, at this moment, I have not made any decisions yet,” the Rector explained.
In further clarification regarding the press statement issued by the FMCS student association during the two-day protest, the Rector confirmed that the report has been received and he will meet with the Faculty leadership to address the concerns raised.
Report by: Domingas
Photo by: Domingas