Public Universities Bill laid before Parliament again

The controversial Public Universities Bill will be the subject of debate on the Floor of Parliament once again.

The Bill has since its introduction faced resistance from some stakeholders in the higher education space.

The consideration of the Public Universities Bill in Parliament was suspended in October this year to allow for the inclusion of varying opinions and contributions from academia and relevant stakeholders.

According to the framers of the Public Universities Bill, it seeks to harmonise the finances, administration, and governance structure of public universities.

The Bill, when passed, will give the government power to appoint the majority of members of the University Council.

The Council then has the power to appoint and fire public university officials.

The Bill also gives the President the power to dissolve the University Council which will now have the power to appoint a chancellor.

It also gives effect to the University Council to control the finances of the university and determine the allocation of funds.

In addition, there is a proposal to rename four public universities after various personalities.