Reference
is invited from the article published on the Fatu Network, January 8, 2018. “Gambia’s
President, Adama Barrow is to be presented with an honorary doctorate for Human
Rights from The University of The Gambia (UTG)”.
The
last time I checked European universities began granting degrees “for the sake
of the honor” (honoris causa) in the 15th century, and the first such degree
was awarded at Oxford University in 1478 or 1479 to Lionel Woodville, Dean of
Exeter, the brother-in-law of Edward IV and the future Bishop of Salisbury.
These were essentially academic peerages, entitling the recipient to full
privileges in the university, privileges that were much more extensive than now.
At the same time universities conferred degrees on certain scholars whose
career achievements warranted such recognition.
If
“honoris causa” are embedded in the culture of higher education, then it seems
that institutions must award them more carefully. No one can predict the future
perfectly. But if past performance has any predictive weight, at all, in
relation to future behavior, academic leaders ought to take past character of
potential honorary degree recipients quite seriously. If administrators do not
believe in the moral obligation to be intelligent, they might at least consider
the obligation to be moral, or honorable. Award honorary doctorates to those
least likely to dishonor both the institution and higher education generally.
Make sure the genius in the portfolio before you has few-to-no character
questions.
The question one might be quick to ask will be:
What is the PhD for?
What is the citation in the first place?
What has he done to earn such an award?
Is the UTG in a position to grant such an award?
Is the UTG now politicized?
If
the University is pleased with his human right records it will be better for
him to be awarded a certificate of achievement in recognition of his effort. Within
the span of one year how can you determine the efficiency and effectiveness of
an individual?
Education
is one of the most important instruments of change in any society. And in order
for any fundamental change to occur in terms of intellect and social outlook in
a society, it is has to be proceeded by an educational revolution. The term
education comes from the Latin word e-ducere meaning “to lead out.” Education
is referred as the process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge,
developing the powers of reasoning, and judgment, and generally of preparing
oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
Please
be informed that the University of The Gambia have pressing issues to solve
rather than this unnecessary recognition that will not add value to the education
system. The University does not have books that are up to date, most of the
books in the main library were outdated before I was born. During my time as a
student at the University from 2010-2013, there was never a day when the
internet allowed me to download reading materials
However,
if we want to have better educational system where students learn to develop
themselves and strive hard to learn the values of life, we must focus our
energy and resources on the university where it all began. We must have the
right people with right qualifications at the university and people who are
honest, decent, and determined to ensure that our brothers and sisters are
successful in their education.
There
is need for basic furniture for lectures to take place, the environment needs
to be conducive for learning and as it stands the boards are so old. Their
needs to be development with regard to learning, times have changed and in the
21st century there is a necessity for the use of technology in the classroom.
The University still lacks basic projectile or video presentations of important
lectures. In a nutshell, there is zero use of latest technological innovations
to help students at the university in their learning.
I
don’t deny the fact that The University of The Gambia has produced many
intellects, brains and will continue to produce who are able and competent
enough to compete in the marketplace of ideas and world market of recruitment
as far beyond Pluto. But despite the fact of all those efforts we still need to
double up and tighten our belts for a better university we dream that will one
day be the last place of hope.
Taking
initiatives to refine education without the resources that needs to be implemented
is wholly unrealistic and ensues as a misery in disguise on students. A case in
point is the “Ph.D.” proposed program. There is not a single reason for what
one should appreciate this opinion. The initiative has turned out ordinary to
burn a hole in students’ pockets without giving them a good education in
return.
I
submit to you that if the proposed PhD is conferred to President Barrow I will
return my BSc. As I don’t have hope in the Gambia’s first and only University
any more.
To
be continued………….
Saidina
Alieu Jarjou
Alumnus,
School of Business and Public Administration
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