By Correspondent
Principal Secretary University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi has asked universities to ensure they comply with the covid-19 Ministry of health prevention protocols as they prepare for reopening of physical learning next week.
The PS also advised the university leadership to encourage their staff to take the Covid -19 vaccination to avoid getting infected.
He castigated those opposing the vaccine urging them to take a lead by giving their health status priority. The PS was speaking at Taita Taveta University during the institutions 4th graduation ceremony.
On infrastructure and development, the PS urged institutions of higher learning to forge partnerships with willing external stakeholders/nations to expand online connectivity so as to support Open, Distance and e-learning model (ODEL).
“As we embrace online learning, we should focus on addressing the key issues of quality of teaching and the challenges facing the students and lecturers as critical stakeholders in the implementation of e-learning. The Ministry will continue working with universities and partners in the education sector to support the successful implementation of e-learning. On this aspect, I urge the universities to pursue opportunities for partnership with private investors to ensure that students have access to the opportunities they need to tap into the vast academic resources that online learning can offer. I encourage TTU to prioritize investment in enhancing the capacity of the academic staff to offer effective online learning”, said the PS.
Noting that Taita Taveta University has its niche in mining, environmental, engineering and resource management, Nabukwesi said it can partner with countries such as Israel and Iran so as to diversify research in dry land which has been successful in the two countries.
He encouraged the institution to utilize research funds offered by the Government through the National Research Fund (NRF) as well as source for additional funding from other partners to support the institutions niche.
“I particularly comment the Government of Germany for supporting the establishment and functioning of the Centre of Excellence in Mining, Environmental Engineering and Resources Management (CEMEREM) at Taita Taveta University. This Centre of Excellence, which is in line with the Ministry of Education’s policy direction of encouraging universities to establish niche areas of specializations, has come into being as a result of strategic international collaboration between TTU and three leading German Universities; the University of Applied Sciences – Dresden; the University of Freiberg and the University of Zittau” said the PS.
Taita Taveta University Chancellor Dr. Sally Kosgei applauded the graduates for having successfully completed their studies.
She added that being the lot that has graduated amidst Covid-19 pandemic, they have got skills and experience needed for them to serve in the competitive market in the world.
“Being the lot that have been faced with challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic, we have no doubt that you have got the skills and experience needed in the competitive market outside”, said Dr Kosgei.
680 graduands were conferred various degrees, diplomas and certificates during the graduation which was held virtually.
Also present was the University Vice Chancellor Prof. Fred Simiyu, PS State Department of Crops and Agriculture Hamadi Boga, the area MP Dansan Mwashako, and the university academic staff and other invited guests.
