Former Rector Mauri Ylä-Kotola surprised by dismissal from University of Lapland

Former Rector and Professor Mauri Ylä-Kotola expressed surprise at his dismissal from the University of Lapland. “It came as a surprise that such a media uproar would trigger this kind of reaction,” Ylä-Kotola stated.

His lecture garnered attention in October when the university interrupted it due to disarray attributed to his alleged intoxication. According to local newspaper Lapin Kansa, the confusion during the lecture was reportedly linked to Ylä-Kotola being under the influence of alcohol. Furthermore, Iltalehti reported that during his tenure as rector, Ylä-Kotola had recorded alcohol expenses exceeding €3,000 in 2019.

Ylä-Kotola, however, denied being drunk during the lecture. He explained that his presentation involved a performance piece related to various topics, including the works of filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard, which have been described as loosely structured. “I extensively depicted war psychosis,” Ylä-Kotola noted.

He suggested that a “momentary health crisis” may have affected the latter part of his lecture. “It is possible that a brief health incident occurred towards the end of the lecture,” he said. “At some point, the performance became overly performative,” he added.

Ylä-Kotola indicated that his dismissal is linked to health issues but also involves differing opinions on teaching methods. He served as the rector of the University of Lapland from 2006 to 2019 before returning to his position as a professor of media studies.