Universities want education ministry to disappear

The Education Ministry announced Tuesday that 21 universities designated as leading colleges for vitalizing leaders in the "Industry University Cooperation project." If these universities adjust entrance quota, the number of engineering department students will increase by 4,429, while humanities, social, natural science and arts and sports students will decrease by the same number. A total of 75 schools applied and colleges that won against a fierce competition of 3 to 1 will receive a combined 600 billion won (527 million U.S. dollars) for three years. However, the remaining universities have obtained nothing except for conflicts within the school.

After suffering in securing budget since 2012, universities have but to probe the government's motives. Against this background, colleges are trying hard to be designated as schools to promote projects such as "BK 21 Plus" and "Leaders in Industry University Cooperation." This has prompted people within schools complain about potential lobbying during the designation process.

It is right for universities to increase quota for engineering majors that has high employment demand while decreasing quota in other departments. However, there is backbiting on some appointed colleges because of their records in frauds. A head of one university said, "I have never felt the (business) as being transparent." Some private universities complain that their presidents have become a pet hate. Since some universities receive audits in retaliation, universities have but to remain silent even if the appointment process is unfair. Against this backdrop, competition is fierce among universities to bring in high-ranking government officials including ministers who can serve as protectors.

Ahn Cheol-soo, co-chairman of the opposition People’s Party, recently said, "Does this mean that the Education Ministry has to disappear?" He was suggesting that the government could consider integrating the Education Ministry and the Employment and Labor Ministry, but education officials need to take this remark seriously. Many advanced countries don't have agencies such as the Education Ministry of Korea. in Korea, elementary, junior high and high schools are controlled by education offices at regional governments. This means that Korea could make an organization that advises to the president to guarantee autonomy at universities, while imposing sanctions when things go wrong. Education officials should be aware of the fact that colleges actually want the disposal of the education ministry for being strongly intervened by the government on entrance quotas, entrance exams and tuition fees.