In the era of the knowledge economy, institutions of higher learning, where knowledge is supposed to be born, have every reason to be held in high esteem.

Yet Chinese universities are suffering a crisis in esteem and public credibility, according to an education blue book published Friday. (Mar 1)

Different from a government document, this blue book reflects the general public's perception of the country's education system by putting together various surveys and studies as well as looking at major events on campus.

If taken seriously by policymakers, the blue book's negative conclusions about the nation's institutions of higher learning could benefit the future development of higher education.

Cases of plagiarism by university professors in their dissertations and research programs, professors spending much of their time pulling strings to get research funding, and the deteriorating quality of university graduates have all tarnished the reputation of universities.

Repeated reports of expenditures on luxury buildings at some universities and corruption cases involving the presidents of Nankai and Tianjin universities are eroding universities' credibility.

Instead of making efforts to improve teaching conditions, some universities have introduced golf to their curriculum in the name of improving the socializing capability of their students. At the same time, many students have difficulty finding a seat in a library to do research or read.

Fortunately, the Ministry of Education has noticed such unhealthy trends and has adopted measures to reverse them.

For example, the latest stipulation is that professors must teach undergraduate courses. Those who fail to do so for two years will no longer be engaged as professors.

Universities used to be considered ivory towers, places where professors were not concerned with material gains because of their absorption in learning.

That was why many professors were called bookworms. The term is derogatory, indicating that these academics are too simple to know about the sophisticated politics which can pave their way to fame and wealth.

Yet, we need more bookworms to bury themselves in their teaching and research.

Editor: Wing