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Thursday 19th October :: Degrading Local University Degrees

Local University education should not be allowed to be degraded to accommodate suspect qualifications. I recently listened to discussions; aired by a local FM Radio Station on a degree program offered by a U.K based University. This program addresses improvement of primary school teaching through distance learning. The said degree targets primary school teachers wishing to improve their skills as I heard.  I also listened to a Professor’s input on the examination modalities of the universal degree. For one to complete a university degree in local Universities today, (s) he must complete a 4-year course though credit transfers can be given depending on past achievements.

Progress through the years involves undertaking continuous assessment tests, mid- semester exams, final exams, and research paper for every semester, each carrying separate marks, depending on the University. The Said UK based university does not have anything close to the above description. Instead, the teachers are given reading materials, workbooks and research paper, which they accomplish, based on ones academic strengths. It is further noted that initially, the Primary Teacher Is (P1 s) and diploma teachers are given so much credit transfers, such that the faster ones complete their course in only one year.

Based on these observations, I find that this so-called university education should not be recognized as a degree in our education system.  Instead, it should be considered as an advanced diploma in primary school teaching.  A properly earned degree should enable one to acquire universal skills, which can be used in any sphere of life, industry, sector and not just improving ones skills in a narrow area or trade. In any case, the teachers who were interviewed on air agreed that the so-called degree only enables them to improve their teacher training skills.

This however does not dilute the efforts of the honourable MP who brought the idea, initially to his constituents and then spreading it elsewhere. The efforts are commendable but the achievements are overplayed. The ministry of education should come out clearly on this matter, so that future problems can be avoided.

 Editor

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