Carlos Batthyány, a doctor and scientist newly appointed as rector of the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira (UTEC) in Pereira, Colombia, addressed the significant gap in preparedness between secondary education and higher education within the country. He highlighted the crucial need for universal literacy, stating everyone must truly be literate in order to succeed in higher education. Batthyány believes bridging this gap is a major challenge facing UTEC. His analysis suggests student dropout rates are directly linked to deficiencies in foundational skills acquired during secondary schooling. He emphasized improving academic foundations as a priority during his tenure. Batthyány’s remarks signal a potential shift in UTEC's focus toward foundational skill development to boost student retention and academic success in Pereira, Colombia. This analysis aims to tackle a broader national issue in Colombia.