Universities have been challenged to align their programmes to match the requirements of the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
University Education and Research Principal Secretary Simon Nabukwesi asked higher institutions of learning to align their curriculum with the demands of CBC to be able to accommodate the CBC students who will be graduating from senior secondary school.
The PS said this during the 38th Jomo Kenya Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat) graduation ceremony held at the institution’s main campus in Juja today.
“The CBC curriculum seeks to realign our education with the growing demands of digital-based solutions to our everyday engagements. Therefore, as the government rolls out CBC there is an urgent need for our universities to be ready to churn out graduates with competent skills that can be applicable across the world,” Nabkwesi said.
The theme of this year’s graduation was ‘Upscaling Digital Transformation in Training, Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Development’
The PS cited the need for universities to put in measures to review their curricula to be in line with CBC demands as these will ensure they are adequately prepared to receive CBC students who will graduate from senior secondary schools.
Nabkwesi, who lauded JKUAT’s enormous contribution during the outbreak of Covid-19, observed that the efforts of universities to enhance research, knowledge, and learning have been hampered by inadequate financing.
He also encouraged universities to continue developing innovative approaches to leverage resources.
“By embracing innovations, our universities can be a powerful engine for change and transformation of our country especially in this digital era,” Nabkwesi said.
Amb Nabkwesi noted with concern that there is a need to appreciate that Government resources are also severely constrained.
He added that despite financial constraints, priority should be ensuring that academic standards are not compromised.
JKUAT Vice chancellor Victoria Ngumi on her part applauded the graduates who excelled in various faculties representing the institution both nationally and internationally.
She said the graduands were well prepared to face the dynamic labour market.
“I am therefore urging the young people who graduated today to uphold peace during this electioneering period and not to be used by politicians to cause violence and embrace each other whichever our political affiliations’, she added.
JKUAT 38th graduation ceremony had a total of 47 received PhDs, 461 Masters, 4,623 Bachelors, and 5,233 were awarded diplomas and certificates.
