Costa Rica lawmakers open probe into university FEES fund

Costa Rica's Legislative Commission on Public Income and Expenditure voted unanimously to open a two‑year investigation into the administration of the Special Fund for Higher Education (FEES). The probe will summon rectors and financial officers from the University of Costa Rica, the Technological Institute of Costa Rica, the National University, the Distance State University, the National Technical University and the National Council of Rectors (Conare). The inquiry will examine both administrative and substantive spending, internal control mechanisms, and compliance with legal principles of legality, efficiency and transparency. Deputies Kattya Mora Montoya and Gonzalo Ramírez Zamora presented the motion, and commission president Gonzalo Ramírez emphasized that while universities are autonomous, they must be accountable to students and taxpayers. Conare has pledged cooperation and reiterated its commitment to transparency.