Reform of university funding is essential - Scotsman leader
The hard questions need to be asked, and soon
The latest depressing news from the University of Dundee must, once again, be a wake-up call. Radical reform is not just desirable for higher education funding, it is essential.
Today we learned another 200 jobs could go at Dundee to “ensure that the University survives”.
Some 645 posts have already gone as a result of two rounds of voluntary redundancy, after a £35 million black hole in its finances emerged.
The Scottish Government is said to be “deeply concerned and disappointed”, which it should be, but the problems at Dundee should have been used as a long overdue spur to re-examine how the sector is supported.
That may involve difficult, and politically problematic decisions, but it has to be done.
In January, education experts called for complete reimagining of the university and college sector.
The review by former Scottish social justice minister Des McNulty and Huw Morris, a UCL Professor of Tertiary Education, said an overhaul of funding is vital.
Their report criticised the Scottish Government for its "failure" to investigate root and branch changes to the system following the financial collapse of Dundee.
Six months on, what has happened?
Scottish Tory education spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher today again urges intervention.
“Rather than fixating on one-off payments which seem today to have done very little, the SNP Government must act to help its leaders form a multi-year plan that secures jobs and learning for students.
“Failing to do that risks a brain drain and a much-loved uni that functions in name only.”
Failing to act may well risk more than that.
The report from Mr McNulty and Prof Morris said "nothing can be off the table" - from changing the length of the Scottish four-year degree to introducing tuition fees.
“Scotland can no longer afford to avoid hard questions,” they said.
The questions need to be asked, and soon.