University of Porto's rector accuses FMUP of disregarding the pressures he criticized

University of Porto's Faculty of Medicine Under Controversy

The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) finds itself at the centre of a controversy, following the Rector's decision not to homologate the results of some candidates for the Medicine course.

According to the FMUP, it has always been open to receiving candidates provisionally accepted by the institution but not accepted by the Rectorate of the University of Porto. The FMUP recalls that in 2019, the Rector homologated the entry of 37 candidates with a score below 14 values, a decision considered legal by the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Porto.

However, this year, the Rector's non-homologation of results has become a front-page issue. The FMUP admits the possibility of having committed a procedural error by communicating the final placement list to all candidates before the Rector's homologation.

The FMUP criticizes the Rector for assuming a position diametrically opposed to his previous decision, insinuating a series of untruths more appropriate for a politician than a Rector. The faculty also regrets that the Rector's actions created misinformation and damaged the good name of the Faculty of Medicine and the University of Porto.

The Rector of the University of Porto, António Sousa Pereira, has denounced receiving pressures from several influential people to allow 30 candidates who had not obtained the minimum grade to enter the Faculty of Medicine. However, the Expresso newspaper reports that the Rector did not reveal the names of these influential people.

The Minister of Education, Science and Innovation has denied pressuring the Rector to admit candidates to the Medicine course in an irregular manner. The FMUP also denies being aware of any pressure on those involved in the selection process of candidates for the Medicine course.

The Expresso newspaper reports that the pressure was to allow 30 candidates who had not obtained the minimum grade to enter the Faculty of Medicine through a special access course for graduates in other areas. The Rector's allegations of pressure have not been verified or confirmed by any independent sources as of the time of this article.

The FMUP suggests that the Rector promote the alteration of the regulation regarding the homologation of results. It also regrets that the Expresso newspaper did not consult the Director of the FMUP before publishing the news about the non-homologation of results.

As the situation unfolds, the FMUP firmly rejects any allegations of pressure on the selection process, if they are confirmed. The faculty remains committed to maintaining the integrity and fairness of its admissions process.

University of Porto's rector accuses FMUP of disregarding the pressures he criticized