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The Minister of Higher Education has directed vice chancellors of private universities to review the 2024/2025 Appropriation Bill and submit recommendations aimed at addressing taxation concerns and improving government support for higher education institutions.

In a posting on his Facebook page on Monday, Minister Changkuoth Bichiock Reth issued the directive during a meeting with leaders of private universities, following a similar engagement with public university officials held last week.

He said the meeting was intended to provide a platform for private universities to share their concerns and contribute to decisions affecting the higher education sector.

During the discussions, vice chancellors raised several challenges affecting the operations of private universities, including taxation, accreditation processes, and limited participation in policy discussions.

The institutions said some accreditation requirements and tax measures have created difficulties in meeting regulatory obligations and sustaining their operations.

Minister Reth said the government is committed to addressing challenges affecting higher education institutions and ensuring that private universities are included in policy discussions.

He directed the vice chancellors to study the 2024/2025 Appropriation Bill and submit recommendations on how taxation issues affecting universities can be addressed in a fair and comprehensive manner.

Reth said universities should not be viewed only as commercial entities, but as public service institutions contributing to national development through education and skills development.

He acknowledged the role of private universities in expanding access to higher education and complementing public institutions.

The minister said the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology remains open to continued engagement with academic institutions to strengthen policies and improve the development of the sector.