Several decades ago, Taha Hussein pronounced his famous aphorism: "We should not expect proper, productive education from a university whose staff does not enjoy freedom and independence." A few years ago, we heard a similar protest slogan from Egyptian university professors: "Universities are occupied by the Ministry of Interior; we will never rest until we liberate our universities." Both statements remind us that universities are losing their independence at the hands of a corrupt, despotic regime. Some people with good intentions but poor judgment call upon regime members–some of whom have no authority–to rescue universities, though a more appropriate demand would be for the regime to loosen its grip, as universities have seen the utmost deterioration under the current government.
Many of our universities have been devastated by systematic political suppression at the hands of the ruling regime. Campuses have been at the center of a campaign to target particular social and civil institutions, a campaign that aims to silence these institutions and reduce them to a state of ineffectiveness. This takes place in a broader context of political inactivity, represented by widespread passivity, a lack of public participation, acceptance of the status quo, and belief in individual solutions, as many have become content with the narrow freedoms allowed by the regime, no matter how insufficient they are, and disregard the humiliating way in which these freedoms are promoted.
Our universities, which used to operate as an outlet for intellectual and political activities, have turned into mere schools that focus on the rote transmission of useless information, most of which vanishes in the face of people’s rich and complex needs, for such a form of education lacks the spirit of participation.
The lack of interaction between students and university teachers–which is vital for empowering students to deal with the outside world–is partly the result of inhumane restrictions by state-run campus security. Though campus security’s role is limited by university laws, its reach continues to extend, blocking political and intellectual activity in particular.
The way universities run their daily affairs reflects the strong hold that security forces have over academia, and the extent to which it pokes its nose, illegitimately, into every single detail, systematically undermining the most basic functions that universities around the world are supposed to serve. On some campuses, security authorities meddle in staff nominations, for positions ranging from lecturers to university presidents. Authorities also target academics whose intellectual trends do not appeal to the ruling regime. They insist on being informed about any cooperation with foreign universities and any foreign visitors to Egyptian campuses. They interfere in the preparation of class and lecture schedules. There have even been cases of physical aggression against professors.
Thus, political oppression is not only aimed at students; it extends to academics who, at the same time, are regularly underpaid. The regime, using its security apparatus to restrict campus-based political activity, is unaware that the real loser is the country, whose future will be shaped its miserable present.
Privileging security concerns over scientific standards, prioritizing regime loyalty, and giving preference to political patrons over those with experience, have lead to the collapse of university education. According to a recent report, the top 500 universities in the world do not include a single Egyptian university, while others higher learning institutions in Africa and Asia, some of which are newer than our oldest universities, made the list. This shameful reality compels brilliant Egyptian minds to emigrate abroad in search of dignity and appreciation.
No doubt, some university teachers do not welcome the hegemony of security authorities, and in fact resist it in various ways. Yet, in their efforts they are unable to limit the persecution and interference to which they are subjected. These academics make the mistake of ignoring the context within which the educational system operates. Academics deserve a good education system. The laborers and craftsmen who have recently taken to Qasr el-Eini St. to make their demands heard affirm on established maxim: despotic governments do not grant people their rights, they must be pressed by their citizens to do so.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
