Getting priorities right

Thursday, 26 July 2012 01:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

THE Z-score debacle has returned to discussions of numbers – this time on how many students who gained entrance originally can be allowed to enter university. With the Government saying that only a percentage of the first set of students can have access to a higher education, the platform has been set for more controversy and unfair treatment.

It is true that the universities do not have enough space to allow all students into university. However, it must be pointed out that this is not the fault of the students who are faced with the daunting task of either sitting for the exam again, an extremely difficult challenge at the best of times, or giving up the chance to gain a degree.

Having raised their hopes, the second set of results cruelly dashed them and has left many with little time to prepare for a second round. For those who sat the exam a third time, there is no chance at all. Therefore it would seem that the Government, which caused the problem in the first place, has a moral obligation to provide a solution that results in justice for all.

All this means that the students are still uncertain of their future and while others of the same age are starting university, they are condemned to pass the most productive time of their life waiting for the authorities to get their act together. Failure of institutions in this instance is unpardonable and the repeated refusal of the respective Ministers to take responsibility for the situation created is another example of the irresponsible actions of top public officials.

Ministers who have been appointed to protect the rights and opportunities of students have instead become the abusers of the system. If the Government can spend billions on exhibitions, tamashas, games bids, unnecessary elections and other forms of wastage, then why it cannot set the all-important education sector in order is baffling. The current environment suggests that better funding for universities would be a great starting point. If such a step is taken, then most students could be accommodated in the university they were initially selected to and not subjected to mental anguish.

If the Government is sincere about its intentions to do right by these students, they have to ensure that the Z-scores are calculated in a transparent and consistent manner or the same set of problems will befall thousands of students next year as well. The importance of preventing a repeat incident cannot be overstressed as students, teachers and parents will be watchful of any indiscretions in the Z-score calculations the next time around.

With such high stakes, the Government needs to do better than “wishing,” which was the response by Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella when the issue was raised by journalists at a recent media briefing. Wishing is what the students are doing now, hoping against hope that their future will not be blighted by a changed decimal point. The Government is way past wishing for competence and if it does not take action, then the people might start wishing for change. Preferably to a Government that has its priorities right.