adminFrom Austin Nyathi in Gwanda
POLYTECHNICS and universities have been urged to produce graduates with scientific and industrial knowledge to help revive the economy. Addressing guests and graduates at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polythecnic in Gwanda yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Dr Godfrey Gandawa, said time has come for colleges to re-align their curricula to suit the economic situation in the country.
“Madam Principal, to define and realise economic growth, polytechnics and institutions of higher learning must avoid the fixation with quantity over quality of graduates. To stop creating jobless graduates, our institutions must produce graduates required by our economy and the region and avoid useless learning. Our colleges must, from an economic stand point, emphasise on productivity of graduates over sheer production of academic knowledge and graduates,” Dr Gandawa said.
The Deputy Minister said training in all institutions should aim to close the scientific and industrial gap of knowledge.
“We envisage our polytechnics to be the centre of excellence and productivity. Institutions of higher learning must create experts and must be think tanks in areas they operate in providing solutions to industry. Polytechnics must transform the status quo by creating jobs through deep involvement with technology research and development and application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” said Dr Gandawa.
He said polytechnics can unlock an industrial revolution in areas like manufacturing, energy and the high-tech services. A total of 285 teachers graduated with diplomas while 289 students were presented with certificates and diplomas from the Faculty of Technical Education. This year’s graduation ran under the theme: “Consolidating Curriculum gains Through Innovative Practices.”
Online Reporter