Andriy Butenko may be appointed head of the Ministry of Education: what is known
This was reported by MP Oleksiy Honcharenko and several media outlets.
“The leading candidate for the post of Minister of Education is Andriy Butenko, head of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance,” wrote Goncharenko.
The publication ‘Mezha’ also reported on Butenko’s possible appointment. The sources did not provide any details regarding the negotiations, the official nomination of the candidate or the candidate’s own position.
Who currently heads the Ministry of Education
Oksen Lisovyi has been Minister of Education and Science since March 2023. He retained his post following the formation of Yulia Svyrydenko’s government in 2025.
It is currently unknown whether Lisovyi is being considered for a role in the new Cabinet or for another government post. The minister himself has not publicly commented on reports of a possible replacement.
The latest government reshuffle began following the resignation of Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Serhiy Koretskyi, the head of Naftogaz, is mentioned among the possible candidates for the post of the new head of the Cabinet, though the final decision is to be made by parliament.
Who is Andriy Butenko?
Andriy Butenko is a candidate of historical sciences, an associate professor and an expert in the field of quality assurance in higher education.
In February 2019, he became deputy head of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance, and has headed the agency since April 2022.
The National Agency for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (NAZYAO) assesses the quality of educational programmes at Ukrainian universities, carries out their accreditation, addresses issues of academic integrity and sets out requirements for the higher education quality assurance system.
Before joining the agency, Butenko worked in secondary and higher education institutions. In particular, he held the posts of Dean of the Faculty of Law and Vice-Rector for Academic and Methodological Affairs at the European University.
During his time at the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance (NAZYAWO), a new system for accrediting educational programmes, aligned with European standards, was introduced. During the pandemic and the full-scale war, some accreditation procedures were moved online.
Butenko also participated in the drafting of regulatory documents and legislative amendments in the field of higher education and was involved in international projects aimed at ensuring its quality.
What is required for the appointment
Reports regarding Butenko so far relate only to a possible personnel decision. His candidacy must be officially included in the composition of the new Cabinet of Ministers, after which the appointment must be approved by the Verkhovna Rada.
The mere fact that politicians and the media are naming him as the frontrunner does not mean that a decision has already been made. The composition of the new government may change before the parliamentary vote.
The Verkhovna Rada is expected to consider personnel matters on 16 July. Alongside the appointment of the new Prime Minister, MPs may vote on the new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Follow us on Telegram.
