University stakeholders call for enhanced training on new trends, CBC

Thika,

Wednesday, September 13,

KNA by Muoki Charles

KCA University Vice Chancellor and CEO Prof Isaiah Wakindiki has said the institution has prioritised on professional development in order to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and improving their teaching, research, and administrative capabilities.

Wakindiki said this even as stakeholders in university education called for increased training forums on the new curriculum and technological advancements in order to improve the quality of teaching, saying regular training forums for university staff will improve staff skills as well as churn out marketable graduates. 

Speaking at KCA University during the graduation of 120 members of teaching staff who have undergone 12-week faculty enhancement training, the stakeholders said in some universities, members of staff go for years without getting any training despite these new developments, thus impeding their skill development.

The Vice Chancellor said they have over the period introduced market-driven programmes that have helped in training employable graduates, and improving the status of the university.

Wakindiki said universities need to conduct regular assessment on their teaching, delivery and examination methods to conform to the hastily evolving technology.

“Technology is evolving fast. We also have the new curriculum to conform with and thus we need to assess our teaching, delivery and assessment methods to remain relevant. We also have to train our staff regularly on these new trends,” he said.

Deputy Secretary for Commission for University Education (CUE) Dr Eunice Marete said that faculty enhancement is pivotal in enhancing teaching and learning in universities.

Marete observed the need for universities to have market oriented programmes to make their students employable, saying it would boost their status as well as beat the high unemployment rate in the country.

Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) Acting Executive Director Dr Pauline Ngimwa said collaborative networks between universities and other educational governing bodies would drive educational excellence.

Courtesy; KNA