Reform UK’s senior official advocates for a reduction in the number of young individuals attending universities, despite his own education at a prestigious institution. Zia Yusuf, a wealthy figure and former party chairman now serving as head of policy, proposed the idea of potentially closing certain universities.
Yusuf, who was educated at an exclusive private school and later attended the renowned London School of Economics, highlighted the presence of top universities on secluded islands but expressed concerns over the high levels of student debt in the country. He suggested that a decrease in university attendance and the number of institutions might be necessary, emphasizing the importance of elite universities like Cambridge and Oxford.
The businessman, who pursued a banking career at Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs post-graduation, warned universities that a future Reform UK administration would restrict the enrollment of international students, despite the financial benefits they bring. He criticized former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair for his goal of sending half of young people to university, a target that has since been abandoned by current Labour leader Keir Starmer in favor of encouraging more apprenticeships.
Speaking at the CBI’s annual conference in London, Yusuf questioned the sustainability of the current university system in light of advancements in AI technology. He stressed the need for fewer universities overall but with a focus on maintaining the quality of top-tier institutions.
Yusuf’s remarks coincide with universities facing challenges such as declining student numbers and financial constraints, leading to significant job cuts across the sector. The event at the CBI marked Reform UK’s first effort to engage with the UK business community.
Meanwhile, Reform UK is under pressure to address concerns following the conviction of Nathan Gill, the former party leader in Wales, who received a lengthy sentence for accepting bribes in exchange for pro-Russia media appearances. Responding to queries from the Mirror about potential investigations, Yusuf distanced himself from Gill’s actions and defended the party against unwarranted scrutiny.
