Learning in the age of consumption
A university is a place where students do not simply acquire information; they learn how to question, disagree, reason, accept correction and grow into more thoughtful human beings. Yet one of the great tragedies of our time is that higher education, particularly in the private sector, is increasingly being treated as a commercial product. When knowledge becomes a business, the student becomes a customer, and the teacher is reduced to a service provider, the very soul of the university begins to suffer.
The commercial model of education is often visually attractive. Elegant buildings, modern cafés, polished campuses, advertising campaigns, branded degrees and comfortable facilities appeal to both parents and students. There is nothing wrong with good infrastructure or a pleasant learning environment. However, the real question is whether intellectual quality stands behind this outward shine. Are students actually learning to think? Are they being trained in research, criticism, creativity, discipline and academic honesty? Or are they simply paying fees in........
