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21 Sep 2009 16:47:33
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) is wrong to urge the Government to drop its 50 per cent target of 18-30 year olds to study at university.
That’s the view of University of Bedfordshire Vice Chancellor and chair of the think tank million+ Professor Les Ebdon CBE.
Professor Ebdon was responding to today’s (Monday) CBI report by its Higher Education Task Force, Stronger together – businesses and universities in turbulent times.
The report argues that:
Professor Ebdon said: “The report points out the need to invest in higher education and produce more graduates to enable us to compete with other economies in the world so it seems extraordinary and the wrong approach to suggest there should be a reduction in student numbers.
“The OECD figures out this month confirmed that the UK was slipping down the table in terms of investment levels in higher education. It’s crucial we don’t fall any further if we want to compete on a global scale.”
Professor Ebdon also questioned what the Liberal Democrats were promising students and universities and urged them not to get side tracked.
Speaking at the million+ and National Union of Students’ fringe meeting last night (Sunday) at the Liberal Democrat Conference, Professor Ebdon said: “We know there are tough choices available but universities are central to the UK’s economic recovery and must be funded and supported as such.
“The Liberal Democrats have said they would add 10,000 additional university places in 2010 but senior politicians have also questioned the number of young people who should be funded to go to university in the future.
“Do the Liberal Democrats support increased investment in higher education or not – will they restrict who goes to university or commit to funding every well qualified person who wants to go to university?”
Latest news» 2009» September» CBI call for Government to drop widening participation is wrong - says Vice Chancellor
