The Association of West African Universities has concluded arrangements to establish a research centre to produce internationally accepted herbal medicines, reports Channels Television. The association says the development is targeted at catering for the health needs of Africans. Read more...
More students turn their back on universities
Many students have decided not to pursue university education even after passing entrance exams, choosing vocational schools instead, reports VietNamNet Bridge. Read more...
Universities’ ‘more sophisticated’ approach to refugees
Over the past year, many European universities have started up education programmes in response to the continent’s refugee crisis, as more students fleeing conflict in their countries have applied to study in European degree programmes and language courses, writes Patrick Costello for Al-Fanar. Read more...
Education loses lustre for Indians on Brexit, tough laws
The United Kingdom is slipping as a preferred higher education destination for Indians amid fears of tighter immigration laws and Brexit impact, writes Varuni Khosla for the Economic Times. Read more...
Criticism over universities’ funding plan
The chair of the opposition Greens party, Ville Niinistö, has criticised recently announced plans by government to sell off state property in order to additionally fund universities and colleges of applied sciences, arguing that the government should instead withdraw its education budget cutting plans, reports Yle. Read more...
Ministry promises improvements to LMD system
By Laeed Zaghlami. Twelve years after its initial adoption in 2004, the licence-master-doctorate, or LMD, degree structure continues to be subjected to a series of criticisms from sections of the academic community and parts of society. While it remains in place as a key component of higher education in the country, the government is increasingly focused on improving its quality and implementation. Read more...
Confusion over loans delays academic year
By Christabel Ligami. Fears of a crisis are looming in Tanzania’s higher learning institutions as the government’s failure to timeously disburse student loans has already delayed the start of the 2016-17 academic year. Read more...
Waves of protests after university students shot dead
By Dinesh De Alwis. A wave of protests, violence and strikes has gripped Sri Lanka in the past week amid national and international condemnation following the deaths of two University of Jaffna students after police shootings. Read more...
Are universities doing enough to foster women leaders?
By Rebecca C Conklin. A public forum on how universities help promote transformative leadership by women has highlighted the difficulty of framing policies that simultaneously encourage personal development and directly assist women in securing equal opportunities. Read more...
Science communication will strengthen research
By Adamu A Ahmed. The recurring litany of woes from research scholars regarding research in the Middle East and North Africa, or MENA, countries includes: the absence of a solid scientific and technological base, lack of research funding, the absence of public-private linkages for research and development, an inauspicious political environment and lack of impact of research findings on the immediate community. Read more...