Higher education - paradigm shift
Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake has told
Parliament that the Government intends to open up the University
system to the private sector. This is a paradigm shift for
universities as those were considered the exclusive domain of
the public sector. That, however, did not deter enterprising
entrepreneurs opening up higher education establishments through
the BoI.
Student unions have been consistently opposing private
universities and any attempt to open them was vehemently opposed
by them on the grounds that it would kill the free education
system enjoyed by the people. The Minister's pronouncement, no
doubt, has stirred a hornet's nest.
The issue of private universities cannot be tackled on
ideological basis. Further, what would have been valid in the
1970s may not be valid today or in future. Hence, it is
necessary to look at the concrete situation prevalent in the
country today with respect to higher educational prospects of
our youth.
It is no secret that less than 20 or 15 percent of those who
qualify for University admission find admission to Universities
in the country. The student intake is decided by the available
places in the University system and not on the needs or
qualifications of the youth. Nor does it take into consideration
even the economic needs of the country.
It is true that Sri Lanka does not possess adequate human
resources needed for a rapid economic take off. It is short of
skilled labour as well as scientific and technologically
competent personnel. Nor does it have significant R & D
resources including researchers.
At the same time at least 80 percent of youth have been
denied access to tertiary education. This is waste of manpower
in its prime. Actually it is a criminal wastage of human
resources. The Government cannot afford the cost of higher
education for all these youth. Hence, it would be a blessing to
the Government and the country if the private sector could be
induced to take up part of the burden of higher education.
It is well-known that the private sector goes by the single
motive of profit. The Government must, therefore, set up
mechanisms to control the unsatiating desire for super profits
from education. It should also ensure quality of education
imparted, set criteria for recruitment of qualified staff,
monitor facilities available and their functioning if a uniform
and quality education is to be ensured for the students that
enroll in private tertiary education establishments.
That is why it is necessary to prevent the BoI from approving
universities that would be mere business concerns. The
University Grants Commission should be empowered by law to
monitor and regulate private sector higher educational
establishments.
There is also another issue, the drain of foreign exchange
for sending students abroad for higher education. If reputed
universities establish campuses in the country it would reduce
this drain of foreign exchange to a great extent. Students and
parents too would welcome such a move as it is less costly.
As the Minister has hinted these private universities should
be made to offer scholarships to deserving students from low
income families as part of their corporate responsibility. The
Government could, in exchange, provide them with appropriate
concessions such as tax reductions.
Our need today is to develop human resources at the fastest
possible rate. We need higher investments in education. If the
private sector could make investments in the sphere of higher
education it would help the Government upgrade the facilities at
State universities and develop them as centres of excellence.
Competition from the private sector could also be an incentive
for the State universities to excel for the students would
naturally go for excellence. Of course, there is one
qualification. A peaceful and learning atmosphere should be
ensured in the campuses.
Private sector participation in higher education should be
welcome. It is, however, necessary to bring in legislation to
regulate them.
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