Varsities challenged to produce quality graduates

By ALLY JAMAH

Universities have been challenged to put emphasis on producing quality graduates with relevant knowledge and skills to boost the economy.

Kabarak University Vice-Chancellor Dankit Nassiuma said institutions of higher learning should invest heavily in producing graduates of high integrity to enhance governance in line with the Constitution.

"We seek to produce graduates who are complete in academic and moral dimension and who will operate with conscience and compassion in discharging their work," he said.

Prof Nassiuma said Kabarak has invested in many fields including law, Information Technology, business, telecommunications to drive growth in the country.

Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly (left) and Kabarak University Vice Chancellor Dankit Nassiuma when he paid a courtesy call at Standard Group Centre on Mombasa Road, Nairobi, Thursday. [PHOTO: GOVEDI ASUSTA/STANDARD]

He spoke Thursday when he paid a courtesy call to Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly at the Group offices on Mombasa Road, Nairobi.

Mr Melly advised universities to put in place stringent quality assurance systems to ensure that their products meet the standards required to deliver better productivity and drive economic growth.

"We need our graduates to have enhanced entrepreneual skills to generate new jobs in the country and create wealth instead of depending on salaried employment. The absorption power of our economy is far below the supply of qualified manpower from our universities," he said.

He cautioned against plans to scrap the 8-4-4 system of education, saying it should instead be strengthened to adapt to the changing needs of the industry and the economy.

"As we review the education system, we should not just change from one system to another for the sake of change. We should look at areas that need strengthening, which we can address by introducing additional modules," he said.

And Kabarak University plans to establish a centre of excellence in communication and media studies to offer practical-oriented media courses in collaboration with the Standard Group.

"We believe our partnership will positively impact many generations to come. We are excited about it, we are looking forward to the many productive things we can do together," said Nassiuma.

The university is also planning to create a sports science programme to nurture youth talent in sports and enable them earn a living.

In June, the university will sponsor a half-marathon to give youths a chance to showcase their skills.

The proceeds will go towards helping needy and orphaned children.

As Kabarak celebrates ten years in September, it plans to introduce medical and engineering courses.

The first batch of lawyers are set to graduate this year. Deputy Vice Chancellor Peter Kibas said the university is placing strong emphasis on research to create new knowledge and requested scholars to submit research papers to its annual research conference in October.

Melly urged leaders to invest heavily in education to boost human resource manpower and said former President Moi set an example towards the same during his reign.

Standard Group’s Chief Operating Officer Sarvjeet Channa, Director Value and Innovation Francis Munywoki and Kabarak University’s Prof Jacob Kibor and Paul Tuitoek were present.