Universities must promote quality education to meet needs of job market

Prof Colletta Suda.PHOTO/ISAIAH GWENGI

Public and private universities must tailor their courses to suit the current market needs, Principal Secretary State Department for Higher Education Colletta Suda has said.

Speaking during the fourth graduation of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (Jooust) yesterday, Prof Suda said all institutions of higher learning must uphold the principle of equity on access to quality education.

“Quality of teaching, learning and research determines the quality of products released to the market. The universities must therefore closely monitor the type of curriculum they are implementing,” she said.

The PS pointed out that there is a growing demand from the labour market for a modern, globally competitive and knowledge based economy.

“We are calling on all universities to promote relevant quality education through regular review of training curriculum that meet market needs,” she said.

The university’s Chancellor Dr Virmal Shah noted a mismatch between the universities and the industry in terms of provision of human capital. “We need to create linkages with industries to be able to produce skills that are required in the job market,” said the Chancellor. More than 1,000 students were conferred with degrees, diplomas and certificates.

Elsewhere, about 650 Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) graduated with various degrees in an event officiated by the university’s Vice Chancellor Prof Justus Mbae. Speaking during the university’s 35th graduation ceremony at the main campus in Karen, Mbae told the graduates that the society was looking upon them to bring positive change.