Paraguayan university rectors lobby against accreditation rules

Rectors from Paraguayan universities are reportedly engaging in lobbying efforts to circumvent new quality control measures mandated by the Ministry of Education and Sciences (MEC). The core of the dispute centers on a recent directive requiring all undergraduate and postgraduate programs to achieve accreditation by the National Agency for Evaluation and Higher Education Accreditation (Aneaes) by 2028.

These university leaders, primarily from private institutions, are alleged to have held meetings with the Minister of the Interior, Enrique Riera, without the MEC's direct involvement. While the stated purpose of these meetings was related to incorporating institutions into the 'Sumar' plan for drug prevention among adolescents, the accreditation issue was reportedly also discussed. This move is seen as an attempt to bypass the MEC's authority and delay or avoid the quality assurance process.

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The rectors of universities had resorted to other ministers to try to stop the official provision of not registering university degrees if undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are not accredited.

This is not the first time university rectors have sought to influence educational policy through high-level lobbying. In May of the previous year, rectors associated with the Paraguayan Association of Private Universities (Apup) approached former President Horacio Cartes. Their objective then was to advocate for the appointment of Enrique López Arce, director of Employment for the Colorado Party, as the president of Cones. This previous effort also aimed to counter decisions made by the MEC, specifically regarding the leadership of the higher education council.

The MEC's current stance, led by Minister Luis Ramírez, insists on the accreditation requirement as a condition for registering university degrees. This policy aims to ensure a baseline standard of quality across higher education institutions in Paraguay. The rectors' continued lobbying efforts highlight a persistent tension between institutional autonomy and governmental oversight in the country's educational sector.

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We propose Dr. Enrique López Arce as a suitable candidate to assume the representation of the minister.