Top educationist raises concerns over degrees by ‘questionable’ institutions
View(s):Concern has been expressed by a top Sri Lankan educationist over degrees being awarded by a variety of higher education institutions (HEI) which conduct courses.
These degrees could ultimately prove to be “questionable” unless the HEI in question is properly recognised, warned Prof. Dayantha Wijeyesekera, a top Sri Lankan educator who formerly headed two local national universities, the University of Moratuwa and the Open University.
In a statement, Prof. Wijeyesekera added; “Academic and professional qualifications awarded in Sri Lanka are well accepted within the region and often worldwide, compared to some other countries granting such qualifications specially in the region… Thus it is imperative that such recognition should be well maintained, if not further improved. Academic degree qualifications are awarded in Sri Lanka by universities and degree awarding institutes established under the provisions of the Universities Act No 16 of 1978 (as amended) and through universities established under separate Acts of Parliament while professional qualifications are awarded by the member associations of the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) in Sri Lanka, such as for Accountancy, Architecture, Engineering, Law, Medicine, etc. The procedures adopted by these professional bodies in granting full professional qualifications to practice in Sri Lanka are quite rightly very stringent in order to maintain quality and standards”.
He revealed that; “There is nothing to prevent HEI commencing and conducting low grade degree programmes if the authorities such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) permit same, but the acceptance of such qualifications by professional bodies having complied to their requirements in order to practice the profession in Sri Lanka, would depend solely on the respective professional bodies… There are many such degree qualifications conferred sans professional recognition in neighbouring countries. The expenditure incurred in establishing infrastructure and procuring equipment would be a waste of national wealth, public or private, loans or grants”.
In conclusion, Prof. Wijeyesekera opined; “Hence, it would be most essential to ensure or have some expectation academically and professionally, that recognition of such degree qualifications by the professional bodies would be forthcoming before or more likely soon after the first batch of graduates are conferred their degrees. Unless precautionary measures are taken forthwith, it could lead to academic disaster and turmoil with professional disappointment through such academic qualifications leading the youth (and their parents) of the country to great frustration. This is conveyed in my personal capacity for posterity”.
(JH)