By Erick Nyayiera
The national government, through the Ministry of Education, has assured all public universities countrywide of continued support to ensure quality training for the benefit of all.
Speaking during Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology’s (JOOUST) 9th graduation ceremony, Fred Ndabuki, who represented Education CS Prof George Magoha, said the quality of teaching, learning and research at the institutions of higher learning are a great determinant of the quality of personnel entering the job market.
He added that universities must endeavor to meet the set standards of quality to guarantee local competiveness and to deliver high caliber personnel to boost the economy.
He urged universities to remain focused on the type of courses offered by undertaking regular review of training curriculum through consultations to ensure it meets the needs of the industry.
“There is a growing demand for specialized competencies which universities must be ready to meet,” he said.
The CS stated that for the government to achieve the set objectives of post-secondary training, universities must implement the practical components of their courses to address the skills gap that exists in the job market.
He urged universities to aim at specialization of courses and deliberate investment in programmes that attract external funding as a way to address the perennial funding challenges experienced in higher learning institutions.
He also asked the tertiary institutions to streamline their academic programs and make use of available resources to mitigate funding gaps.
“The government has set aside research funds through the National Research Fund (NRF) for academic staff in universities. I therefore urge universities to tap into NRF resources to support the government’s big four agenda, vision 2030 and global sustainable goals,” he stated.
Prof Magoha stated that the government has put a lot of emphasis on research and innovation and that science and technology have been identified as the key drivers to spurring the nation towards the desired levels.
He hailed the management of JOOUST for its role in research and congratulated them for winning Shs 10 billion from the Flemish Institute in Belgium for their research.
He further hailed the management for being among the few institutions in the country with up to date financial records.
“I would like to encourage the management to continue managing their resources prudently,” he said.
The CS urged the national government to avail funds for the completion of a research center, library and tuition and administration blocks.
The university’s graduation ceremony was conducted virtually and all those being awarded PHDs attended physically.
JOOUST chancellor Dr. Jonah Kagogo, vice chancellor Prof. Stephen Agong’, University Council chair madam Joyce Karinge all urged the graduands to provide solutions to global problems.
