Students undertaking privately sponsored degree programs in public universities may face significant changes as the government considers scrapping the program due to concerns over funds misappropriation.
State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu stated that the reform, which aligns with the Ministry of Education's current processes, may result in the complete removal of the parallel structure. He cited issues with accountability and resource management within the parallel program as key reasons for this potential decision.
Esipisu noted,
"You know with this reform of the exam system, one of the results is the potential complete removal of the parallel structure. There have been issues about accountability in terms of the resources coming out of that particular structure,"
and added that the lack of transparency in funding from the parallel structure contributes to the current problems.
The announcement comes amidst an ongoing lecturers' strike, set to intensify, with the University Academic Staff Union demanding a 30% pay rise. According to Capital FM news, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi is expected to address the situation.
Esipisu expressed confidence in Matiangi's ability to handle the issue, stating,
"Money that is paid from those programs to lecturers and to universities is not exactly in the public view and has not been accounted for in the way you would expect other government resources to be. We have every confidence that the Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matianfi will be able to deal with the situation,"
The potential removal of the parallel degree program may have significant implications for students and universities alike, particularly in light of the ongoing strike and demands for improved compensation for academic staff.
The recovered account cited reporting by Tuko.
