The Hon. Aboobucker Athambawa

¶ 01 Hon. Presiding Member, I am pleased to speak on the Universities (Amendment) Bill to amend Act No. 16 of 1978.

¶ 02 After 13 years of schooling, students enter universities to pursue their chosen futures—doctors, engineers, lawyers, and professionals. Under the UGC and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Heads of Departments and staff work together to implement university academic programmes.

¶ 03 Contrary to Opposition claims that this Government neglects higher education and national development, our Government has allocated far more funding than previous ones—many billions of rupees—for the development of universities and higher education, significantly advancing our students’ education.

¶ 04 For the first time in 46 years, we are making substantial reforms to the Universities Act, replacing outdated provisions to resolve conflicts and promote future democratization in universities. Yesterday we debated education reforms; today we debate university amendments. Yet some in the Opposition avoid the Bill’s substance.

¶ 05 If we want to contribute to youth progress, we must speak for them now. Through these amendments, we expect democratization. At present, the VC identifies lecturers and appoints Heads of Departments; Heads then drive academic development. Deans carry major responsibilities: designing curricula, implementing them, and attending to student affairs. Some have acted autocratically, extending service beyond appropriate terms. These amendments will restore democracy.

¶ 06 Currently Deans appoint Heads; where a faculty has several departments, incumbent Heads often rotate into the Deanship, limiting opportunities for others, despite many capable Professors being present. This is undemocratic. With term limits and broadened eligibility, more within a faculty of, say, 30 academics will have chances to serve as HoD and Dean, enhancing fairness.

¶ 07 This will drive the change we need in higher education, align graduates with labour market needs, and contribute to the economy. With AI, technology and globalization advancing rapidly, our universities—constrained by an outdated Act—must modernize so our youth can compete globally. The President and Government are focused on this. We must enact multiple reforms to build a better country. Thank you.