Introduction
The austerity measures implemented by the current Mexican government have significantly affected public institutions of higher education. While the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has been spared in the 2026 PEF, other prominent universities such as the Polytechnic Institute of National Education (Politécnico), Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), and the University of Guadalajara are facing severe budget cuts.
Background on Key Figures
Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí, the current Subsecretary of Higher Education, was previously the Rector of the University of Guadalajara. He transitioned to his current role in August 2024 after accepting an invitation from Mario Delgado. Villanueva Lomelí, a UdeG alumnus and former student leader, has also served in the Cabildo under Enrique Alfaro. Alongside Mario Delgado Carrillo, the Secretary of Public Education, and Rosaura Ruiz, the Secretary of Sciences and Humanities, he has been the liaison between the López Obrador administration and dissatisfied rectors of autonomous universities and ANUIES-affiliated institutions due to successive budget cuts.
Budget Cuts and Proposed Solutions
The proposed PEF 2025 by the Secretaría de Hacienda allocated 45,000 million pesos to UNAM, a 10% decrease from the last authorized budget during the López Obrador administration. Following complaints from Rector Leonardo Lomelí Venegas, federal authorities acknowledged this as a “regrettable error” and eventually provided 50,000 million pesos.
For 2026, the proposed budget increases UNAM’s allocation by only 3%, falling short of the annual inflation rate. This marks the second consecutive year that the IPN and now UdeG and TecNM have been affected by these “regrettable errors.”
Villanueva Lomelí has suggested alternative routes for universities to mitigate budget cuts, such as organizing volunteer activities involving students and faculty, participating in peace marches supporting government initiatives, or aligning university training with productive sectors linked to Plan México. These actions are reportedly viewed favorably by the government and may result in budget expansions.
Quality of Education Amidst Austerity
While the government has committed to making higher education free and universal, concerns about quality have been raised. Villanueva Lomelí has publicly questioned the necessity of recognizing certain vocational fields and doubted the relevance of some outdated, oversaturated curricula.
Currently, 5.5 million young people are enrolled in the national university system, with a governmental goal to reach 55% coverage by the end of the six-year term, including the full operation of Benito Juárez and Rosario Castellanos universities, along with the University of the Indigenous People.
Secondary Effects: Impact on Industries
Increased IEPS and its Consequences
The 50% increase in IEPS, as part of the 2026 Paquete Económico, was met with disappointment by formal industry operators of the entertainment and betting sectors, who have long advocated for updating a 1947 law. The Association of Permisionaries, Operators, and Providers of the Entertainment and Gambling Industry (AIEJA), led by Miguel Ángel Ochoa, expressed concern that this measure would increase operational costs and threaten over 200,000 jobs across 30 states without modernizing the regulatory framework.
Opportunities through Nestlé’s Initiatives
Nestlé launched an initiative a decade ago to promote employability, entrepreneurship, and agro-entrepreneurship among younger generations. This initiative has benefited over 2.8 million people through labor fairs and educational content, creating more than 43,000 professional development opportunities in Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Mexico. These results were presented at the Alliance of the Pacific Youth Encounter, attended by over 1,500 individuals from the four countries and delegations from Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
Fausto Costa, Nestlé México’s CEO, emphasized the crucial role of young people in driving change through their talent, creativity, and energy, essential for Mexico’s and the region’s future.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí? He is the current Subsecretary of Higher Education and former Rector of the University of Guadalajara.
- What budget cuts are universities facing? The Polytechnic Institute of National Education (Politécnico), Tecnológico Nacional de México (TecNM), and the University of Guadalajara are facing severe budget cuts, while UNAM has been spared in the 2026 PEF.
- What alternative solutions has Villanueva Lomelí proposed? He suggests organizing volunteer activities, participating in peace marches, and aligning university training with productive sectors linked to Plan México.
- What are the concerns regarding education quality? Villanueva Lomelí has questioned the necessity of recognizing certain vocational fields and doubted the relevance of some outdated, oversaturated curricula.
- What are the secondary effects of austerity measures? The increased IEPS has been met with disappointment by formal industry operators, while Nestlé’s initiatives have created opportunities for employability and professional development.
