Education and Science Minister Vesna Janevska revealed a shocking irregularity during an inspection of private higher education institutions: one institute was registered in a betting shop's back room, with just two chairs and two mattresses.

"The most extreme example was when the Commission inspected the institute - it was registered in a betting shop, in the back area, where its functions were supposed to be performed on two chairs and two mattresses. Absolutely unacceptable," Janevska stated.

The institute had the authority to issue degrees recognised both domestically and internationally. A new higher education law with stricter requirements - including mandatory employment of ten PhD-level academics - aims to eliminate such irregularities and bring standards to European levels.