Secretary for Education & Manpower Professor Arthur Li says the Government has an open mind as to whether the Institute of Education should use a university title.

As the Government has not received a university title application from the institute, there is no question of a delay in processing such a request, he said.

He today told lawmakers that the recent misleading allegations regarding the institute's internal affairs have caused great damage to all parties, and is regrettable.

All points considered

In processing an application, the Government will consider the objectives of establishing the university, the quality and standard of the institution's academic and research programmes, the effectiveness of its teaching and learning, its internal governance structure, its quality of leadership, financial position, sustainability, and the public interest.

"Consideration is also given to the prevailing international trend for the development of comprehensive universities which offer a range of degree programmes in various disciplines," he said.

"According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica, a university is an 'institution of higher education, usually comprising a liberal arts and sciences college and graduate and professional schools that confer degrees in various fields', which means that universities, by nature and design, should not be monotechnic."

Hard work hailed

Noting the institution has been doing very well in higher education, Professor Li said there is no evidence that its development has been adversely affected by the lack of a university title.

"I truly appreciate the hard work of the staff and students at HKIEd. I hope no one will misunderstand my position or that of the Government.

"I will be very disappointed if anyone attempts to use the re-titling issue to confuse the public, and in serving one's own interest to do things which are detrimental to the institution's governance and development."