Universities redefined

I REFER to “The road ahead for universities” ( StarEducate, Oct 7).

It was refreshing to read the article by Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Lim Koon Ong where he reflects on the idea, origin and evolution of the role and function of the university, the latter not always for the best for humanity and civilisation.

The two aspects of the initial university model, autonomy and academic freedom, are increasingly less prominent intrinsic, admirable characteristics that used to define the nature of a university as a centre for learning, thought and creativity. Extrinsic factors and pressures have not helped to enrich and inspire university life, but rather the converse.

The university is progressively more market-driven. Documentation, quantitation of less essential parameters over quality teaching and education are evident. The annual “Ranked or be Yanked” exercise consumes much time and energy. More meetings are needed for such data, to analyse, promote and market achievements that can be publicised.

Jerry Muller in his insightful book “Tyranny of Metrics” highlights that the obsession with quantifying human performance threatens our schools, universities, medical care, businesses and governments, the belief that the path to success is such quantitation and publicising the results and distributing the rewards based on the numbers.

The KPI of the heads of university departments is dependent on the KPI of the staff and the KPI of the Dean of the faculty hinges on the combined KPIs of the component departments and this “merit go round” continues to turn.

I have taught for more than three decades in a university medical school. I tell my younger colleagues that I do not envy them as they are involuntarily caught up in this performance wheel. They have less unpressurised time to read and prepare lectures. Less unhurried time to be creative and have more personal interactions with students, whom the university should exist for.

Our university academic culture where our students spend several prime, formative years has a major influence on their thinking, learning and their development as wholesome, responsible professionals and citizens. Like produces like.