BY LEULSEGED WORKU
The issue of quality education is all about leading a quality life. As a selected seed gives better product, quality education and competent students play significant role in the future of the nation. Since the past two plus decades, the educational system of the nation has been criticized increasingly.
Seeing this challenge, the government has given education quality as one of its prime reform activities. The Ministry of Education, together with other stakeholders, is doing its level best to bring quality education throughout the nation.
Whenever the issue of quality education is brought forth for debate, effective and productive graduate students are always the core of the discussion. Since the problem associated with quality, less competent and unproductive graduate students are one of the serious challenges for better economic performance of the nation. Investing in higher education institutes and generating competent students who have the required ability, knowledge and skills to address critical problems is not an option. It is a wise move towards achieving aspired national goals.
However, due to the absence of serious monitoring mechanisms or competence assessment tests for newly graduated students in the past, most graduates were seen failing to meet the need and standard of the economy. To address this challenge a new alternative is designed that evaluates the competence of graduate students.We are found in the month where several universities are graduating their students in different programs. Last Saturday, Addis Ababa Science and Technology University and dozens of other government universities graduated students in various fields of studies.In his remark to graduating students of Addis Ababa Science and Technology University, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, said that graduation is a transition from one point to the next level of achievement. According to him, the move requires graduates to acquire practical and in-depth knowledge in all areas they are assigned to. The practical world needs proper knowledge, passion and responsibility. In this regard, preparing oneself for that new world needs commitment.
He also urged the graduates to help their country to narrow the development gaps with the advanced world. “We have a lot of work to do to catch up with the advancing world. Put Ethiopia first, know your country well, and empathize with the people.”
In his message through his social media page, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD); also said that graduation is a purpose driven mission. Every graduate is responsible and duty bound. While graduating with a certain field of study that particular student is responsible for his/her deeds and is a pillar to the development of the nation.
He also said that a graduate student has a call to speed up innovation, to be a solution for social hurdles and be a hope for others.
Graduating students in different fields of study last Saturday, Arba-Minch University President, Damtew Darza (PhD) said that proper utilization of time and technology are keys towards a bright future. “If we Ethiopians develop a culture of tolerance and respect among each other, there is no power that deters us from achieving the aspired goals. The role of higher educational institutes is vital in this regard.”In his message he conveyed to graduates, the President said that graduates should play their role in advancing the economic growth of the nation.
In related news, Bonga University, Teachers College graduated 856 Teachers who were pursuing their educations in various fields. In his remark to graduates College Dean, Anteneh Ayele said, having ethical and responsible citizens is a precondition towards building a strong nation. In this regard, having responsible teachers that work aggressively to produce effective and ethical students is one pre-condition.
According to him, teachers have a responsibility to bear productive fruits. These fruits can only be effective as long as there are responsible teachers. In this regard, all graduates are duty bound to exert their energy on producing competent students and shaping the coming generation. He also added that teachers who are responsible for themselves will be responsible for others. In this respect, the newly graduate students are expected to keep their promises.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 5 JULY 2022
