But I think it is time for us to end egalitarianism. In October 1998, the University Council issued its final report for university reform before the turn of the century. It recommended setting up an independent assessment panel to evaluate national universities and suggested that universities grade students more strictly. Moreover, the panel suggested that universities permit exceptionally promising students to graduate early and proposed that universities set up advisory councils staffed by independent experts to monitor administrative matters. This means that enrollment at some universities will fall short of the full quota, and some institutions may find it hard to survive.
Universities are also anxious about the brain drain to other countries.
Their declining ability to compete is another serious problem. There are defects in the university system that are hindering their development, including complacent teaching staff who rest on their academic laurels and are apathetic about revising the study program. Against this backdrop, talented teachers and promising students who have become disillusioned with their universities often go overseas. Students often argue that a degree from a Japanese university is not valid internationally. A system whereby individual universities could be assessed to ensure their competitiveness needs to be discussed not only by government officials but also by industry representatives.