'Proposal to allow universities to borrow from external sources under discussion'

AMMAN — A newly proposed amendment to the Universities Law that allows universities to borrow from external sources is stirring debate among stakeholders.

The proposed amendment would allow public universities to borrow money from abroad after receiving the Cabinet's approval.

University of Jordan (UJ) President Ekhleif Tarawneh said the move would facilitate foreign technical assistance to universities, funding research projects and developing infrastructure, adding that the step will not influence institutional autonomy.

He said current regulations allow public universities to receive grants and assistance from abroad, explaining that the suggested "loans" would facilitate the process of aid applications for them.

Tarawneh said the proposed measure will enhance universities' financial and administrative independence, a "key" move to boost the international competitiveness of local universities.

"UJ will not consider external borrowing as a priority within its plan for the next five years," as local banks are able to respond to the needs of the university, he told The Jordan Times Thursday.

The UJ president called on the government to exempt universities from taxes and customs duties on equipment and vehicles.

On the other hand, Fakher Daas, the coordinator of the National Campaign for Defending Students’ Rights' (Thabahtoona), charged that the move emphasises the government's intentions to "privatise" public universities.

By doing so, he explained, the government will not be responsible if universities go bankrupt or face financial challenges.

"Creditors will definitely increase tuition fees and may try to control educational policies in a manner that does not fit into national educational strategies," Daas told The Jordan Times.  

He added that such a move will "negatively" affect the quality of universities' educational output, by only allowing well-off students to study at universities, not the competent ones.