University Education in Ukraine Amid Full-Scale Russian Aggression: The Case of Oles Honchar Dnipro National University

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the impact of full-scale Russian aggression on higher education in Ukraine, focusing on Oles Honchar Dnipro National University (DNU) as a case study. It highlights the university’s resilience, adaptation strategies, and contributions to sustaining education amid war.

Relevance: The ongoing war has led to the mass displacement of universities, destruction of infrastructure, loss of personnel, and disruptions in education. Despite these challenges, institutions like DNU have demonstrated adaptability, playing a critical role in maintaining the educational process and supporting students and faculty during the crisis.

Method: A qualitative case study approach was used, analyzing official reports, academic sources, and government policies related to the transformation of Ukrainian higher education under wartime conditions.

Methodology: The study assesses DNU’s response strategies, including digital education implementation, humanitarian efforts, faculty and student engagement in information resistance, and infrastructural adaptation.

Strategies: DNU swiftly transitioned to online learning, collaborated with international institutions, introduced flexible admission policies, and participated in volunteer and cyber-defense initiatives. The university also supported displaced students and faculty while ensuring academic continuity through innovative shelter spaces.

Conclusion: The war has profoundly reshaped Ukrainian higher education, requiring rapid adaptation. DNU serves as a model of resilience, demonstrating the critical role of universities in national stability and recovery. Its ability to sustain education, provide humanitarian aid, and counteract misinformation underscores the broader significance of higher education institutions in wartime.