On April 8, 2025, a delegation from the Central Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, led by Ngo Dong Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Commission, met with National Economics University (NEU) to review the rollout and implementation of Conclusion No. 94-KL/TW.

An overview of the meeting

Representing NEU at the meeting were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU; and Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU Trade Union. Also attending were representatives of the leadership of schools and departments, members of the Standing Committees of the NEU Trade Union and the University’s Youth Union, and lecturers from the Faculty of Political Theory.

Ngo Dong Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, speaks at the meeting

The review focused on assessing the leadership and direction provided by Party committees at all levels and Party organizations in implementing political theory education; the effectiveness of efforts to thoroughly communicate and implement political theory programs at the University; training quality and innovation in teaching content, methods, and formats; and the building, recruitment, and development of the political theory teaching workforce.

The delegation also heard reports, examined records and documents, held discussions, and directly observed classes taught by several lecturers to gain a substantive and comprehensive understanding. This helped identify outstanding issues and propose solutions for continuing to implement Conclusion 94 effectively, in conjunction with the Politburo’s Resolution No. 35-NQ/TW on strengthening the protection of the Party’s ideological foundation and countering erroneous and hostile views in the new situation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the NEU University Council, presents a report at the meeting

Reporting at the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, said that political theory teaching has always received close attention from the Party Committee, the NEU Board of Presidents, and the University’s units. NEU established a separate Faculty of Political Theory to provide political theory education for students and learners. All political theory lecturers meet professional qualification standards, have extensive experience, and are dedicated to their profession. They proactively update their knowledge and innovate their teaching methods to improve training quality and effectiveness.

One notable advantage is the increasingly close coordination among the University, families, and society in educating students. Mass organizations, academic advisors, faculties and institutes responsible for training, and the Department of Political Affairs and Student Management have played increasingly prominent roles, helping create a favorable environment for education in ideology, ethics, and lifestyle.

Alongside its achievements, the University also frankly acknowledged difficulties in delivering political theory education, particularly amid the rapid expansion of information technology and social media. This requires lecturers to continually update their information and knowledge to improve teaching effectiveness. Some students are indifferent to, undervalue, or are reluctant to study political theory subjects because these subjects are abstract, highly generalized, and difficult to grasp. Some students also remain caught up in extracurricular activities, which affects the quality of their learning and personal development.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, presents proposals to the review delegation

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, also noted that NEU has always been deeply aware of the important role of political theory subjects in the national education system and has made considerable efforts to improve their quality and make them engaging and useful for students. In recent years, the University’s development orientation has prioritized training and improving the quality of its existing lecturers rather than increasing their numbers. Lecturers in the Faculty of Political Theory not only meet professional standards but are also dedicated, passionate about their profession, and consistently proactive in their teaching.

However, lecturers also shared certain difficulties, particularly in meeting requirements for academic titles and degrees. The requirement to publish articles internationally is a major barrier for political theory lecturers, given the subject’s limited international connections. Sending lecturers abroad for study and professional development also faces obstacles because of mismatches in programs and subjects.

For students, the University has made considerable efforts to organize curricula and innovate teaching methods to generate interest and make political theory subjects more engaging. Based on this experience, NEU proposed developing a long-term vision for political theory as a subject to help lecturers feel more confident and secure in their work and remain committed to their profession, while enabling the University to take the initiative in expanding its teaching workforce.

The University also proposed granting lecturers greater autonomy in teaching, particularly in selecting textbooks and reference materials. Lecturers could flexibly use textbooks from other universities and supplement them with English-language materials, thereby ensuring that teaching meets the needs of each discipline and educational institution.

NEU students express their enthusiasm for political theory subjects

During the review meeting, many students expressed their enthusiasm for political theory subjects and spoke highly of their lecturers’ systematic and inspiring teaching methods. However, students also hoped that political theory courses would go beyond imparting knowledge and be taught in ways that highlight practical applications and real-world connections, thereby stimulating curiosity, exploration, and interest in learning.

Ngo Dong Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, delivers concluding remarks at the meeting

Speaking at the meeting, Ngo Dong Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, emphasized that political theory training and professional development at NEU receive close attention and guidance from the Party Committee and the NEU Board of Presidents, supported by lecturers’ sense of responsibility and professional efforts. Teaching, learning, research, and approaches to political theory education are organized systematically, with depth and quality. These are positive results that deserve recognition so that lessons can be drawn and the factors contributing to such outcomes can be clarified.

Despite these positive results, political theory education continues to face numerous difficulties, particularly regarding lecturers and the suitability of the education provided for students.

As the country enters a period of rapid development, with the General Secretary’s strong determination to lead Vietnam into a new era—the Era of National Rise—the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and senior leaders have consistently affirmed that political theory education is an important task and a top priority, not only for officials and Party members but also throughout the national education system.

In particular, new development requirements raise the question of how to make political theory education in educational institutions increasingly substantive and appropriate, and ensure that it receives recognition and investment commensurate with its position and role.

Ngo Dong Hai emphasized that, over many years, NEU has consistently devoted attention to, created favorable conditions for, and maintained its standing in political theory education. Political theory teaching and learning must help teachers and learners recognize it as a field, a discipline, and a subject with a practical role and clear requirements, benefits, and outcomes in terms of knowledge and awareness. Party orientation, political orientation, and scientific rigor must be harmonized, balanced, and appropriate.

Ngo Dong Hai expressed his hope that the Party Committee and the NEU Board of Presidents would continue to build on the results and achievements attained, and asked them to give this work more direct, regular, and close attention in the coming period, particularly through the Party Committee’s leadership.

Based on the review and observations at the meeting, Ngo Dong Hai, Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, said that the delegation would fully incorporate NEU’s opinions, discussions, and recommendations into a detailed report, and provide advice and propose adjustments and additions if necessary.

Additional photos from the meeting:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.