MPs query standards in varsities

Members of Parliament have faulted the management of universities for failing to tame errant lecturers who make sexual demands to score students favorably.

The legislators also expressed concern over cases of missing marks, manipulated results and lecturers not attending classes, which they said are denting the image of the universities.

Members of the National Assembly Education Committee also called out the institutions of higher learning for failing to uphold integrity of their institutions.

The MPs raised the concerns during a two-day consultative forum with the Ministry of Education and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

The committee convened the meeting with the stakeholders to get insight on the current status of education and to find solutions to the various issues affecting the sector.

Speaking during the meeting, committee chairperson Florence Mutua cited cases of missing transcripts, alteration of marks by tutors and teaching using out dated notes that she said raises quality issues in university education.

“It is time for us to have an honest and open conversation about the cases of sex for marks, missing marks, and lecturers’ failure to attend classes in our universities,” said Ms Mutua (Busia MP).

Committee members who spoke during the consultative meeting roundly shone spotlight on universities administration for the rising cases of number of students failing to graduate after completion of their studies.

“These cases of students’ missing marks have cost learners years of possible employment,” said Mutua.

During the meting, the Committee urged the Ministry of Education to formulate strict policies to ensure that university students and lecturers observe discipline.

On teachers issues, the forum expressed concern over the long period some deputy principals have served in the head-teacher’s acting position.

MPs directed that the commission determines a limit of the maximum period, one can act in a specific position before elevation.