The Student Union of the University of Lapland (LYY) is disappointed with the decisions made at Prime Minister Petteri Orpo\u2019s government’s mid-term budget session, which will impose massive cuts of \u20ac117.7 million to the core funding of higher education institutions. At the same time, the government has outlined granting degree-awarding rights to open universities, which in practice creates a paid pathway to degrees in Finland. Through these actions, the government is undermining the foundation of educational equality in Finland. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government has branded its mid-term session decisions as a \u201cgrowth session,\u201d but from the perspective of higher education, it is rather a dismantling of the foundation for future wellbeing. One-time investments in increasing student intake are superficial corrections that do not compensate for the permanent cuts to universities\u2019 core funding. Education requires stable and predictable funding \u2014 not short-term fixes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The government talks about raising the level of competence but acts to the contrary. Without sufficient and long-term core funding, the quality of education will deteriorate, the level of competence will fall, and Finland’s future success will be at risk,” says Mariel T\u00e4htivaara, Chair of the LYY Executive Board. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
By granting degree-awarding rights to open universities, the government is opening a paid backdoor to degree education. In the future, the wealthiest will be able to purchase a degree without going through the traditional student selection process. This development stands in stark contrast to Finland\u2019s long-standing goal of ensuring free and equal education for all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Education is the key to Finland\u2019s success. Instead of gradually making education subject to fees and cutting funding, Finland must invest in higher education with determination and for the long term,” demands LYY. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
LYY calls on the government to take concrete actions to safeguard education \u2014 not to implement cuts that jeopardize Finland\u2019s future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
LYY demands concrete actions from the government to safeguard education \u2014 not cuts that threaten Finland\u2019s future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For further information: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mariel T\u00e4htivaara
Chair of the Executive Board
puheenjohtaja@lyy.fi
+358 45 1379026 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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