Tue, 05 Sep 2017 12:12:48 +0000
Dear Editor
The mushrooming number of universities in the country are a cause of tremendous worry to parents who must fork out huge amounts of money to pay for education which may not be as academically sound.
New universities are coming up in residential areas, office blocks and in all kinds of buildings indicating that the motive is not necessarily academic but financial.
My other concern is the range of subjects that are being offered by these universities. Most subjects are of very little value in the economy and the workplace as a result graduates spend time traversing the streets looking for non-existent jobs.
The Government should insist that all universities and indeed all institutions of higher learning are not only located in suitable areas but that they offer subjects that are relevant and could prepare the students for self-sustenance.
Our nation must join the quest for industrialisation which will guarantee our place in global commerce and trade. This will be achieved by promoting subjects that are conducive to self-employment while creating opportunities for industries that will add value to the numerous resources and primary products that the country produces.
Time for Government generated jobs is long gone. This is time for individuals to create their own opportunities from their skills. Therefore subjects taught in university must equate to the needs of our country and not be too exotic for anybody’s use.
Desperate parents will almost invariably send their children to any institution that offers higher education. It is the duty of the Government to protect parents from unscrupulous entrepreneurs who interest for money overrides their ability to offer quality education.
Lastone Kamwendo
