By Lydia Ngoolo
Principal Secretary State Department for Implementation of Curriculum Reforms Professor Fatuma Chege has called upon universities to prepare themselves well in line with the Competency Based curriculum (CBC).
Speaking during the third graduation ceremony at Lukenya University where 449 students graduated with different degrees, Prof Chege said the nature of universities is to provide leadership in education and that universities can’t detach themselves from CBC.
“CBC education is now at grade five. Universities should make themselves relevant to CBC since the learners will end up there,” she added.
She stressed on the fact that the Commission for University Education and the State Department of University Education and Research are working together to each get someone on the technical committee to review university programmes.
‘We are doing this so that universities are well informed in reviewing and revising their programmes so that they are ready to receive CBC graduates by 2029,” she added.
The professor added that five university professors were involved in the CBC taskforce.
‘The nature of universities is to teach and to do research and community service. Universities should be keen on the learning and teaching styles from the ground level and prepare fully,’ she said.
She blamed parents who aren’t fully engaged in the education of their children and argued that CBC is structured to incorporate parental empowerment and engagement.
She urged universities to identify their niche and what they are good at depending on their locations and gave an example of Lukenya University which specializes in agriculture.
“Though Lukenya University prides itself in having adequate facilities, there is need for more facilities since the student population is increasing.’ Prof Chege said.
She further commended the University for its research programmes and culture.
She encouraged the lecturers to teach entrepreneurial skills so that learners can create jobs for themselves and for others.
She called upon graduates to network and not to settle at their first milestones.
