There is a really good takedown of a recent Centre for Policy Studies report on student finance in WonkeHE. While the post provides good arguments for a shift away from human capital theory-based justifications for public investment in higher education, this quote really resonated with me:
“I have no glib solution to which you might sign up. But when hard times find us, criticism must strike for the root: the root is undergraduate study as a stratified, unequal, positional good dominating future opportunities and outcomes. What might find broader public support is a vision of higher education institutions that are civic and open to lifelong participation, instead of places beholden to the three-year, full-time degree leveraged on loans and aiming to cream off ‘talent’.“
In other words, if we – students, academics or universities – think that the current system of student funding in England is iniquitous then we really need to make a much clearer case to the wider public and to government that investment in higher education is for the common good, not individual advantage. I would also say that in Scotland, where there aren’t student fees, a common good case may be easier to make but the current funding seems totally inadequate to support the complex portfolio of activities expected of higher education institutions.
On the flip-side, universities need to demonstrate their societal value – that money is spent well in the sector and that the societal benefits are best delivered by investing in universities rather than elsewhere.
Peter Evans’ article offers a compelling reflection on the evolving role of higher education in today’s society. By questioning traditional justifications centered solely on economic outcomes, Evans invites readers to consider broader purposes such as fostering critical thinking, nurturing creativity, and promoting civic engagement. This perspective aligns with the growing recognition that universities should not only prepare students for the workforce but also equip them with the skills and values necessary to navigate and contribute positively to an increasingly complex world. Evans’ insights encourage a reimagining of higher education that balances practical training with the cultivation of well-rounded, thoughtful individuals.
National Skills Development Authority
The National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) (Bengali: জাতীয় দক্ষতা উন্নয়ন কর্তৃপক্ষ) is a Bangladesh government agency under the Chief Adviser’s Office responsible for developing policies to build a skilled labour force.[1] The authority must approve and evaluate all skill development projects of the government.[2][3] The chairperson of the governing body of the National Skills Development Authority is Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, and the vice-chairperson is Minister of Finance Salehuddin Ahmed. The executive chairman (secretary) is Nasreen Afroz.[4]