Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba on Thursday, August 20, called out leaders opposing the proposed university funding model sttaing that the current model was not sustainable.
Speaking at the International Leadership University, CS Ogamba stated that the amendment bill targeting higher education funding proposes an investment approach to university and college funding.
He explained that funding would look at the outcome of every student, meaning that the government would fund students' careers, after which the students will be expected to pay.
"We said that education is an investment, not just a social good. We decided that we were not only funding the student, but also their future career.
"For instance, law students will become lawyers and medicine students will be doctors. So we said, if it is an investment and we are funding an engineer, the means testing should be for the engineer," Ogamba explained.
The Education Boss explained that the new proposal will attract private sector financiers to invest in the fund because it guarantees more returns.
"What that did was to open doors to the private sector to view the model as a bankable investment. We are therefore able to fund Higher Education of students based on what they will become," he stated.
The CS noted that resources made available by private investors and the government would allow the state to fund every student admitted into institutions of higher learning.
Ogamba urged those opposing the model to present actual reservations they have about it, not just because they could.
"We need you speaking the truth to power respectfully and correctly with a solution towards what you are challenging. We do not want a society where people just speak for the sake of it," he added.
Meanwhile, he warned leaders against engaging in divisive politics. He noted that the statements could undermine the realisation of the right to education.
CS Ogamba added that it was irresponsible to instil division among learners, who, more often than not, have nothing to do with politics.
