Budget cuts at higher education institutions continue to spark backlash and protests from students and faculty. While universities and higher education institutions already face many challenges, this new measure of reducing financial resources further threatens their stability and ability to provide quality education.
The latest announcement from the Ministry of Finance regarding a new automatic deduction of 40% on internal revenues of government establishments has added to the already existing concern. This circular, which strangely resembles the one previously published in October 2023, was greeted with dismay and frustration by higher education institutions.
The president of ASUP (Association of Staff Union of Polytechnics), Shammah Kpanja, reacted strongly to this measure in a press release published on Thursday. He expressed surprise and concern that the Ministry of Finance was issuing a new circular when the measure had been suspended by the president himself. This contradiction creates confusion and uncertainty about the direction that higher education institutions should take.
ASUP strongly called for the exclusion of higher education institutions, particularly polytechnics, from this circular. According to Kpanja, this ill-conceived policy jeopardizes the very existence of the institutions and will have serious repercussions on staff, students and society at large.
Instead of cutting budget allocations, Kpanja urges government to find ways to increase funding for tertiary institutions. These establishments play a crucial role in the training of the qualified workforce and in the development of the country, it is therefore essential to provide them with adequate financial support to enable them to fulfill their mission.
The issue of reduced financial resources in higher education institutions is a serious problem that deserves urgent attention and immediate action. Students and teachers can no longer afford to have their futures compromised by inadequate budgetary policies. It is therefore time for the government to take steps to ensure adequate funding of higher education institutions and ensure quality education for all.