The Minister of Education, Lucy Molinar, issued a direct warning about the state of the country's university system by revealing that private universities have graduated more lawyers in just a decade than the University of Panama in its entire history.
This statement comes amid the debate on the paralysis of sessions of the National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation of Universities of Panama (CONEAUPA), the body responsible for evaluating and accrediting higher education institutions in the country.
Molinar was emphatic in stating that she will not sign university accreditations that lack real substance, warning that the higher education system requires a profound review.
“I will not sign an accreditation that has no foundation,” the minister stated, questioning the rapid growth of academic programs that, in her opinion, must be reviewed to ensure educational quality.
The head of Education pointed out that the figures on the production of professionals, particularly in the field of Law, raise a red flag about the model of university expansion that has been developed in recent years.
The issue came to light after a communication sent by Deputy Jorge Bloise regarding the situation of CONEAUPA, an entity that has pending processes for university evaluation and accreditation.
Molinar maintained that before proceeding with new signatures or validations, it is necessary to review the system to prevent the continued granting of accreditations without real guarantees of academic quality.
The minister's statements have reignited the debate over the proliferation of private universities in Panama and the potential impact this could have on professional training and the labor market.
