Former minister Rafidah Aziz lambasted the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) for the country’s unusually large number of private colleges and questioned the screening process for accreditation, following reports on accreditation issues faced by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology (LUCT) students.
Rafidah observed that there were 414 private colleges before she questioned how the MOHE is vetting the curricula of these institutions.
“How are they being benchmarked in order to be able to produce market-relevant graduates? What criteria are being used to give accreditation to relevant courses?
“Private educational institutions are essentially business entities. But, ethical business dictates that there is integrity for every course being offered and taught, and of every certificate, diploma and degree being conferred,” she said in a statement today.
Rafidah stressed that the nation is losing out, as the "supply of human resources" coming out from some of its educational institutions will not match the type and quality of market demand.
“The MOHE must undertake a proper evaluation of each and every entity in the education system - whether public or private - and ensure the appropriate follow-up action,” she added.
Her statement came after LUCT students lamented how they were affected after the university had their accreditation for eight courses revoked.
Some of those affected by the revocation told Malaysiakini that they were forced to restart their degrees at different institutions and were unable to secure public sector jobs, due to their courses not being accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
It is said that a report has been lodged with the MOHE but the ministry has yet to give its response.
LUCT, however, issued a statement on Monday claiming that they were working closely with MQA to resolve the matter and have since received feedback from the agency.
The accreditation was allegedly revoked due to academic resources (the number and areas of specialisation) and programme structure, which are required to be reviewed by external academicians.
“Do not be buoyed by numbers like the proudly touted 623 PhD graduates, in 2019 alone, from one university. It was a 'world record' - sadly, for the wrong reasons!” Rafidah said referring to the national record set by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).
The former minister emphasised that it is the quality and marketability of the students that mattered most.
“They are being depended upon to move Malaysia forward with the relevant education and knowledge imparted to them, creativity and innovativeness being nurtured, and the competencies forged to elevate national development, up on to a higher plane,” she added.
Rafidah stressed that the “education spectrum” must adapt and adjust with agility to the new demands of society, and the marketplace. - Mkini
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