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University of Embu plans to have lecturers acquire PHD

FILEX MURIITHI

FROM RIGHT: Gen. Sec. Church Army Africa Rev. Capt. Dr. Danson Kihwaga, Mbeere ACK Bishop Moses Masamba, UoE VC Daniel Mugendi and Rev. Dr. Robinson Kariuki, principal Kabaare College

The University of Embu (UoEm) has laid out plans to ensure all her lecturers acquire a PHD within the shortest time possible, the vice chancellor has said.

This is in the move to comply with the Commission for University Education (CUE) that all lecturers must acquire a PHD degree by October this year for them to qualify to teach in universities.

“Acquiring a PHD is a process. As a university, we have a plan to ensure our lecturers acquire it very soon as they continue to teach. Our aim is that every lecturer in our institution will attain a PHD at the long and we have a road map and a process to make sure we achieve this soon,” said Prof. Daniel Mugendi.

Speaking during the annual Diocese of Mbeere ACK church’s education day held at Kanyuambora church, where he was also the chief guest, Prof. Mugendi said in Kenya majority of lecturers are holders of a Master’s Degree.

He noted that it was tall orders to have all the lecturers acquire this education level within the set time frame showing the need to have discussions among the concerned bodies as it could take more time to be achieved.

“Commission for University Education had given a deadline especially for those who do not have a PHD by November last year but that date came and passed but this is an ongoing debate. We can’t just get rid of these teachers because we need them,” he noted.

In addition, the VC praised the Bishop Moses Masamba led Diocese for starting a vocational centre within the diocese saying ‘it is a good move to enhance education sector not only in Mbeere but also in the whole country.’

Prof. Mugendi promised that the University of Embu will continue supporting different learning entities where possible inorder to foster a well learned society.

“Other than promoting primary and secondary education through sponsoring institutions, the Diocese has also given a lot of emphasis in the tertiary education,” he said.

The VC added, “Just like the government is also lying a lot of emphasis in TVET institutions, I would advise those who are not able to join universities to take the route of TVET and can eventually be able to join the university later.”

Bishop Masamba said the diocese sponsors 79 primary schools, 38 secondary schools and a vocational college. He noted that other than spirituality, the church was keen to ensure enhanced formal education amongst her members.

He said that when the churches sponsor institutions of formal learning, learners are equipped spiritually saying this also helps to streamline morality within the society.

“We support the need for churches to sponsor learning institutions in order to have the trainees learn morals which will help reduce vices such as immorality and corruption in the society,” he said.

Bishop Masamba also noted that the church through its national leadership was following up with the government and ministry of education to ensure restoration of the ownership of public schools to churches as directed earlier by President Uhuru Kenyatta is done.

The event was also attended by the General Secretary Church Army Africa Rev. Captain Dr. Danson Kihwaga who was the main speaker and Rev. Dr. Robinson Kariuki, the principal at ACK sponsored St. Andrews Kabaare Bible College.