Senators question Education PS regarding the university funding model.
MPS THE WEAKEST LINK IN THE UNIVERSITY FUNDING MODEL IMPASSE
Universities’ finances have improved since the controversial funding model was implemented. That is the statement from PS/Higher Education. Senators avoided the straightforward question, “At whose expense are universities enjoying financial stability? Answer: Parents -; the issue lies here. The State is shifting the burden of funding universities from students (HELB) to parents.
The senators’ inquiries confirmed concerns about State capture of Parliament. They supported the model but do not comprehend why it is ineffective. The PS responded bravely.
The model is based on incorrect assumptions. It applies school financing methods to university education. It is destined to fail for the following reasons:
1. Discrimination: All university students are young unemployed adults. It is discriminatory for the wealth status of parents to dictate State support levels. Degree holder MPs financed their own university education through HELB loans. It is unethical for them to establish a discriminatory model. Parents’ involvement should be limited to being tax payers. It creates a sense of responsibility among graduates who are debtors. The new funding model reduces Vice Chancellors to the status of school principals.
2. Stigmatization: Students from low-income families will face social stigma. They are easily identified and marginalized, facing challenges in connecting with peers and being relegated to lower ranks. It introduces a divide between dynasties and proletariats in the university education system.
3. Skewed choice of courses: Parents’ wealth status will overshadow passion in students’ selection of study courses. Students from low-income families will steer clear of expensive fields like Dentistry, Medicine, Engineering, and Law, among others.
Solution: MPs must create legislation to remove bias in financing university education by establishing it as a contract between students and the State.