Access to Higher Education in Palestine

Access to Higher Education in Palestine

Zajel / An-Najah National University   Conference on: The Role of Higher Education in the Context of an Independent Palestinian State 7-9 Nov.1996 When we speak of access to higher education, many universities and other countries have fallen to misinterpretation of this terminology. I wish to remind you that the declaration of human rights has emphasized free education mainly in terms of Basic Education for All, in terms of the compulsory cycle. That education is a must for every human being. But when it comes to higher education, the universal declaration of human rights has said higher education shall be equally accessible to all, on the basis of merit. Let us not forget the merit, because once we talk about higher education we are talking about access to higher education by those who are qualified for higher education and who can make the quality in terms of higher education. Otherwise, we will end up with low quality university graduates, who will have no jobs because they do not meet the standard of future challenges, they do not have a brand; we have to brand people by the quality education. Low quality graduates are a waste of the investment in higher education. It is of serious importance how to modernize and better manage institutions of higher learning. How to improve teaching to respond more effectively to a world of the twenty first century, a world of increasing competitiveness and uncertainty. What is the true value of education obtained from such an old and traditional system? The student population is growing rapidly and higher education systems are not responding to the market-place. How far will these trends shape the University of tomorrow and influence new trends in education? These, of course, are important questions for meeting the challenges of globalization and free-market economy, based on competitiveness. Knowledge will be the most important tool for this global competition. Knowledge is generated in the university and this is where a large share of research is carried out. How much Rand D can the university provide to link itself with industry? The market economy would influence not only funding of the university research, but also what l should be taught to students. All those questions should be thoroughly debated. Each one makes a topic for a full seminar.