Look beyond the money

THE stature of higher education institutions globally is undergoing a decline, creating more social inequality rather than upwards mobility, says Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Alumni Association president Prof Tan Sri Dzulkifli Abdul Razak.

Higher education has become more and more elitist and exclusive. The ethos of education has been hijacked by ideologies that have turned education into a tradeable good. Unlike before, education is no longer a public good. In that sense, public institutions suffer more than their private counterparts, he notes.

Prof Dzulkifli is the former vice-chancellor of USM and of Albukhary International University. He oversaw the effort that led to USM’s selection as Malaysia’s apex university.

He is also the 14th president of the International Association of Universities – a Unesco-affiliated organisation, a Fellow of both the World Academy of Art and Science and the Malaysian Institute of Management, an honorary lifetime member of the Asian Academy of Management, and the recipient of the Universitas 21 Gilbert Medal 2017. Founded in Melbourne, Universitas 21 is a grouping of research-intensive universities which collaborate in areas of common interest and application.

Education is a human right, he says, and any cut in budget will have an impact one way or another. The question is how the learning institutions – and nation – are planning on minimising that impact without compromising on ethics, quality and accessibility to education.

“The Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) has the impression that public varsities can cope by generating more funds but I don’t think it’s for the university to do that.”

Flocking to private institutions, however, isn’t a long term solution because they too suffer internal budget cuts, he cautions.

“Maybe they – unlike their public counterparts, can manage better since they’re charging all kinds of fees and it’s an accepted norm.”

Justifying why private institution graduates may be better trained than their counterparts, Universiti Malaya’s Dental Alumni president Major General (Rtd) Datuk Paduka Dr Mohamad Termidzi Junaidi says private varsities have more facilities and resources.

“There is more innovation in the way private institutions present their lessons. Education in public varsities is too stringent. You cannot speak up or ask questions,” the 63-year-old says, matter-of-fact.

Citing the deteriorating standard of English as one example, he says public education is different from what it was when he was a student in the 1970s.

Dr Junaidi, however, believes the blame shouldn’t be placed squarely on public varsities. And he doesn’t think the government’s austerity drive will affect the quality of education offered in public varsities.

Cost-cutting is not necessarily bad, but it has to be within limits, he offers: we’ve to get out of the ‘I-must-get-everything-I-want from the government’ mentality. Instead, universities must plan better and use their funds more wisely.

“Think up new ways to save. Find different funding solutions. Approach the industry for research projects. We’ve to change the mindset that everything must happen within the university,” he suggests, calling on students to be more proactive in gaining knowledge and exposure.

Public universities were aware of the planned funding cuts so they should have started planning and strategising years earlier, an educationist based in the Middle East says. Pushing the blame and creating a public outcry now doesn’t

solve anything, the international award-winning academic who has spent over 30 years in private and public universities adds.

Declining to be named, she says the quality of public education in the country leaves much to be desired. The main purpose of education is to ensure that learners are educated, it doesn’t matter where or how this happens, she says.

“There’s a need for high quality private and public education. We must make sure that our students get what they’re here for. Students’ effective learning should be amply emphasised at both private and public institutions.”

She believes universities’ main responsibility is to educate students.

“Research and community service are secondary responsibilities. But our students aren’t getting the best. Public universities are resting on their laurels, especially with some academics putting self-first above their students needs,” she says.

Budget cuts have affected all areas so university CEOs must make the right decisions and in doing so, they need to let some personnel go, and adopt innovative and creative solutions. Human resources can be stretched, she suggests, pointing out many universities that have had cuts, have coped successfully.

“It’s really sad that we’ve come to this but the drop in standards isn’t new. Favouritism, discriminations, and biases, are extremely unhealthy practices that must be checked.

“We’ve pockets of very good and impressive public university programmes, with exceptional professors. But, not enough effort was put in to implement these consistently in all public varsities nationwide. The rot will continue if check marks aren’t put in place,” she predicts.

Continuous training of varsity leaders to enhance their capabilities, is important. Budget allocations can be re-strategised according to KPIs.

“How about honouring hardworking deans and giving them more rather than slashing budgets for all varsities?” she proposes.

USM Student Progressive Front former exco member and the university’s alumni, Ong Jing Cheng, compares the current state of education to a comedy.

Upset about the lack of quality in both the public and private sectors, he points to the lack of experienced and qualified academics, as the reason. Senior professors are leaving public varsities because of budget cuts and more lucrative offers from the private sector, he shares.

“Not all private institutions are good either, mind you. You’ll find bachelor degree holders lecturing in many of them because it’s harder and more expensive to get academics with postgraduate teaching credentials.”