Double standards

WHILST the Department of Higher Education Research Science and Technology’s (DHERST) recognition of Mapex Training Institute (MTI) is applauded I find it difficult to accept the criteria for the recognition.
DHERST has well and truly put the cart before the horse by giving recognition to MTI.
It clearly smacks of fishy connotations that place DHERST in a questionable position.
The single most contradicting factor is the learning environment.
The match box sized classrooms in a dilapidated colonial building does not bode well for conducive learning.
A visit to the 4-Mile campus would definitely shock any professional educationist.
The fire-prone over-crowded all-in-one-building campus is a serious safety risk.
The classrooms cannot hold more than 10 students let alone an instructor.
Have DHERST officials actually visited this campus?
DHERST has selected and published names of 500-plus students selected for MTI in various disciplines.
Something is certainly amiss here given the above campus description.
The criteria for MTI being given recognition by DHERST is the fact that MTI’s registration with National Training Council (NTC) at the time of a government policy shift (placing higher learning institutions under DHERST) was current.
Basing the recognition on that one criterion is dangerous as DHERST has ignored other criteria that any institution should meet properly before being given such recognition.
There are other institutions which have been around for much longer time than MTI and have better, spacious learning environment which are struggling to get recognition from DHERST.
There seems to be double standards practiced by DHERST.
How about the institutions which were in the process of renewing their registration when the policy shift was made?
Surely, their history of operating for decades could be worthy of consideration for the same recognition.
DHERST has to pick up on its act and not create situations for the department to be brought into disrepute.
It is a very new department and should be devoid of any questionable activity.
DHERST must not waiver from its key role to ensure the nation’s human resource is properly trained.
The nation needs competently trained professional for it to progress.
Any situation that places the department in a compromised position should be avoided.

Street educationist
Port Moresby