Only 7,000 slots for ’07: OHE

THE Office of Higher Education cannot cater for more students coming out of secondary schools every year because the Government can only sponsor 7,000 students annually.
Simon Kenehe, the new chairman of the Commission of the OHE, stressed this after being sworn into office at the Government House last Tuesday
He said not all 10,000 Grade 12 students who sat for examinations last year would continue through higher institutions as there were limited spaces.
“The work at the secondary stage is good, but at the higher institutional level we are unable to absorb everyone into universities and colleges, and the commission is planning to take this issue to the Government’s attention”.
“It is important for us to work with the Government, private sector, universities and colleges to understand the role of OHE and to come up with plans that could help cater for those students who missed out,” he said.
Dr William Tagis, OHE director general, said the OHE funding from the Government was not sufficient.
Dr Tagis said there was a major demand for OHE programmes as more secondary schools were coming up, including the need to create more spaces in the universities and colleges.
He said the office was looking into meeting the demands to help students complete their education.
Dr Tagis said there was much to do as the OHE was an important medium in producing skilled and knowledgeable men and women who would be able to give back to the country.
The commission is a part-time position consisting of eight members from respective organisations, including the chairman to aid the office in decision making and other required responsibilities.
The commission was without a chairman for 18 months before Mr Tagis’ appointment by the National Executive Council, which took effect last Dec 13.
His appointment lasts five years.

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