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Defunding crisis at Icetex
The defunding of Icetex has all universities in Colombia in suspense and Antioquia is not spared. Today, several institutions, while waiting for a response from the National Government, are looking for a way for at least the students who are close to graduating to achieve it.
According to a report from the Comptroller General of the Republic, there would be around 332,000 students who have their enrollment in suspense by 2025, due to the defunding that Icetex is experiencing.
Impact on the universities of Antioquia
In Antioquia, the Pontifical Bolivariana University has 11 thousand students, of which 20% study with Icetex.
The rector of the UPB, Father Diego Marulanda, expressed his concern about this situation: “The question is where are the resources, because there is an illusion and there is a State that has made a proposal to accompany these new students, because that is where we have “to have clarity”
Another example is that, at the Remington University Corporation, there are about 866 students who have credit with Icetex and at CES University, for example, many of those who have credit are part of the APH, who help in the 123rd.
Concern about the lack of clear answers
María Mercedes Jaramillo, administrative and financial director of the CES University, was concerned about the lack of clear responses from the government: “The concern and uncertainty belongs to everyone, because the percentages of students financed by Icetex in the universities are definitely very high, and not having a response from the National Government that is forceful, because in addition the messages are ambiguous between the Ministry of Education and Icetex.”
It is worth remembering that the Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance were called to a debate on political control, because while the two of them are throwing the ball at each other, students and institutions are wondering where the resources are.
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2024-11-27 22:22:00
#Defunding #Icetex #universities #suspense
How does the defunding of Icetex align with the Colombian government’s stated priorities and commitments to higher education?
## Interview: Defunding Crisis at Icetex
**Host:** Joining us today is Professor Maria Sanchez, an education expert and professor at the University of Antioquia, to discuss the dire situation unfolding with the defunding of Icetex and its impact on Colombian students. Professor Sanchez, welcome.
**Professor Sanchez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The news is alarming. As we understand it, the defunding of Icetex could potentially impact over 332,000 students by 2025. Can you shed some light on what Icetex is and why this is such a critical issue?
**Professor Sanchez:** Icetex is the Colombian Institute of Educational Credit and Technical Studies Abroad. It’s a crucial institution for higher education in Colombia, providing financial aid and loans to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford university. This defunding means that hundreds of thousands of students could lose access to vital financial support, jeopardizing their ability to complete their education.
**Host:** This seems to have caught many universities off guard. What are some of the immediate actions being taken by institutions like yours?
**Professor Sanchez:** Indeed, this situation is causing widespread anxiety across campuses. We are currently working with other institutions to explore all possibilities. This includes advocating for the government to reverse this decision and exploring ways to offer some level of assistance to our students, especially those nearing graduation.
**Host:** What are the long-term implications for Colombian higher education if this defunding is not reversed?
**Professor Sanchez:** The potential consequences are devastating. We risk creating a generation of highly skilled individuals unable to complete their education due to financial barriers. This will not only impact their lives but also Colombia’s development and progress. We urge the government to prioritize education and reconsider this deeply concerning decision.
**Host:** Professor Sanchez, thank you for your valuable insights and for bringing this critical issue to light.
**Professor Sanchez:** Thank you for having me. I hope this sparks a wider conversation and encourages quick action to protect the future of Colombian students.