GOVERNMENT’S HIGHER EDUCATION FOCUS RAISES QUESTIONS ON INCLUSIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Prime Minister’s recent policy statement on revitalizing higher education in Eswatini has sparked a wave of responses, especially among students and stakeholders who are concerned about the selective focus on the University of Eswatini (UNESWA).
While the government's promise to ensure sustainable free access to primary and tertiary education and to review the finance structure of the education system is commendable, the exclusive emphasis on UNESWA has raised questions about the broader landscape of higher education in the country.
UNESWA is indeed a crucial institution, but it is not the only one facing significant challenges. Institutions like Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU), Limkokwing University, and the Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT) are grappling with inadequate resources and a number of other issues. Students from these institutions, who reached out to The Bridge, have voiced their frustrations over the lack of support, funding, and meaningful attention from the government. Why, then, has the spotlight been placed so firmly on UNESWA? Does this indicate that the government views other institutions as secondary or less deserving of investment and reform?
Moreover, the proposed establishment of a new university of technology and innovation raises another critical question: What will happen to ECOT? For decades, ECOT has been the backbone of technical and vocational education in the country. With the government’s push for a new technological university, it is unclear whether ECOT will be upgraded, merged, or overshadowed by the new institution. The silence around ECOT’s future is concerning, as it leaves students, faculty, and stakeholders in limbo about the institution's relevance and role in the new educational landscape.
The government’s plan to review the academic programs at UNESWA to make them competitive in the region is necessary, but similar reviews and strategic interventions are needed across the board. Other institutions are also striving to produce graduates who can meet market demands, yet they lack the necessary support to update their curricula, improve facilities, or attract qualified educators. A holistic approach is needed—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of the entire higher education sector in building a workforce that can drive Eswatini’s development agenda.
Furthermore, the proposal to establish a university aimed at attracting students from the SADC region and beyond is ambitious, but it raises questions about the current state of our existing institutions. Are we putting the cart before the horse? Shouldn’t the priority be to strengthen and modernize the existing institutions before embarking on new projects? Building a new university while existing institutions struggle is akin to neglecting one’s house while planning to build another.
The government’s pledge to produce more graduates is admirable, but producing graduates without addressing the quality and relevance of education across all institutions is counterproductive. The emphasis should not just be on quantity but also on the quality of education and its alignment with market needs. By focusing exclusively on UNESWA, the government risks creating a hierarchical system that leaves other institutions and their students behind.
The Prime Minister’s policy statement exposes glaring gaps in strategy and inclusivity. To achieve sustainable educational reforms, the government must adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses the needs of all higher learning institutions, including ECOT and others. Only then can Eswatini build an education system that is resilient, competitive, and capable of producing graduates who are not just more numerous, but also better equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.