CHE boss endorses linkages

By Harold Ayodo

Collaboration between institutions of higher learning boost research and learning as long as standards are observed, says the Commission for Higher Education Chairman Kihumbu Thairu.

But the Secretary Prof Everett Standa is concerned about the explosion of online degree courses and colleges that claim to offer programmes in collaboration with foreign universities and professional organisations. "Face-to-face tutorials are not mandatory but students need support services such as instructional materials and libraries," he says. Linkages with universities abroad include staff and student exchange programmes, research, marking of examinations and awarding of certificates, diplomas and degrees.

Awarding certificates

Digital Advisory in Learning Centre (DALC) Education is among colleges that have linkages with institutions abroad.

DALC Education Head of Missions Humphrey Oborah says the centre’s examinations are marked locally but moderated in the UK.

"We award certificates and diplomas, which can be used to seek admissions in universities abroad," he says. He says the centre has linkages with Cambridge Association of Managers and Oxford Association of Management which is approved by CHE. "We have no legal relationship with the University of Oxford and Cambridge University …we also do not offer degrees but certificates and diplomas," Prof Oborah says.