The government’s new funding model for university and TVET students has sparked significant backlash from the very people it aims to support.
While the intentions behind this reform may be noble, the execution has left much to be desired.
The core issue lies in the lack of meaningful consultation with student representatives during the model’s design phase.
As a result, the system is perceived as an unnecessary burden that could further marginalise underprivileged youth, rather than a transformative step towards equitable education.
Concerns have been raised about the model’s reliance on loans, which students fear will ultimately enslave them with debt.
In a country where access to quality education is already a challenge for many, this new funding approach risks pricing out the very demographics it seeks to empower.
The Commission on Higher Education must act swiftly to address these concerns. Conducting widespread civic education to simplify the model’s mechanics and engaging in genuine dialogue with student leaders are crucial first steps.
Ultimately, any reform to education funding must prioritise accessibility and affordability above all else. The government’s ambitious goal of aligning resources with individual student needs is commendable, but it cannot come at the expense of excluding the most vulnerable from the life-changing opportunities that higher education provides.
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