I read the story of a university professor who has decided to call it quits and start a small enterprise after decades of teaching in a public university. As I read this story I also came across news of masters students seeking internships at a local supermarket chain Tuskys. The story portrays a dim future for those pursuing higher education as a means to increase their chances in the cut throat corporate world. The two stories suggest that there is little or no difference in access to opportunities between those with university education and those without.
This points to a clear problem, either with the university education or the learners. In my opinion there are several reasons why we are at thus point.
1. Unresponsive curriculum
Most of the curriculum and content taught has not changed in a while. We are living in a fast paced world where the business environment is rapidly changing. These changes pose new challenges and learners across different disciplines out to understand and provide ways to overcome these challenges.
The curriculum and teaching methods need to be routinely reviewed and standardized across the different institutions of higher learning.
2. Learners with closed minds
Most learners do not even know that text books and journals exist. Their task is to memorize class notes and wait to download the same when the exam beckons.
This is like preparing for war without studying your opponent. The result is the mass production of unprepared minds trying to make sense of the complex world they find themselves in.
