Reform UK’s senior member advocates for a reduction in the number of young individuals pursuing higher education, despite his own background of attending a prestigious academic institution. Zia Yusuf, a wealthy figure who previously held a prominent position within the party and now serves as its policy leader, proposed the closure of certain universities.
Yusuf, who received education at an exclusive private school and later studied at the renowned London School of Economics, highlighted that three of the world’s top universities are located on secluded islands. Expressing concern over the increasing student debt in the country, he emphasized the need for a decrease in university attendance and the potential closure of some institutions, excluding specific mention of other UK universities apart from Cambridge and Oxford.
The businessman, who transitioned into a career in banking with Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs post-graduation, cautioned universities that a prospective Reform UK government would impose restrictions on enrolling foreign students, despite the substantial financial contributions they bring.
Critiquing former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair’s objective of sending half of young people to universities, Yusuf aligned with current Labour leader Keir Starmer’s shift towards promoting apprenticeships. Speaking at the CBI’s annual conference in London, he raised questions regarding the sustainability of the current educational landscape in light of advancements in AI, advocating for a reduced number of universities while preserving the quality of top-tier institutions.
Yusuf’s statements coincide with universities facing challenges such as declining student enrollments and financial constraints, leading to the announcement of over 12,000 job cuts collectively across institutions. As an associate of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, Yusuf’s presence at the CBI event marked the party’s debut in engaging with the UK corporate sector.
Meanwhile, Reform UK encounters demands for an inquiry following the conviction of Nathan Gill, the former party leader in Wales, for accepting bribes related to pro-Russia activities. Responding to inquiries from the Mirror about potential concerns over an investigation, Yusuf distanced himself from Gill and emphasized that any attempt to tarnish the party based on Gill’s actions would be unwarranted.