Public funds and higher education
I would like to the draw attention of the taxpayers in Bangladesh (especially the business community) who contribute a huge amount of their hard earned money through taxes and a large portion of which goes to higher education spending.
My first question is: do we really get quality output from the public universities? The answer is definitely ''NO'. If you ask the employers, those who pay huge taxes for public universities, they would say that they get sick and tired while they interview the job seekers graduating from public universities. I don't say all are bad. Some are excellent, but their number is very small.
The main reason for this is too simple to grasp. These students rely on public funds. They have very little to lose. Compare them to the students from private universities, you will notice a sharp difference in attitude. The difference and the reason are obvious. One is state funded and the other is spending from his/her parents' pockets.
My second question: how many graduates do we need each year from public universities who the nation can accommodate in appropriate vacant positions. The answer is ''very few''. Then why should we provide subsidy in higher education to all students? Why we are so eager to produce a huge number of junkies who can neither be used for managerial jobs nor are suitable for lower end jobs. In the bargain, we produce a class of people worthless for productive purposes and very suitable for torching public and private vehicles in the streets or destroying properties. So much of fun on public funds!!!
Shouldn't we reconsider providing 'subsidy/full scholarships' to only those (brilliant students) in order of merit, who the government/private sectors can absorb annually through providing jobs. The public funds thus saved can be provided to primary and vocational training to develop skilled manpower to be exported abroad or used at home.
The rest of the lot can empty their parents' pockets to pursue higher studies if they are sincere to themselves.
Criticisms are most welcome.
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