23 July 2020  Issue No: 279

Successive administrations promise to increase the number of universities in Ghana as if this alone will create the development they desire. But the creation of universities without proper investment is more about politics than development and may simply create inferior universities.

The Doctoral Standard and National Review Reference Group responds to Ken Harley’s article by arguing that doctoral national review is what it should be: a peer review process rooted in collaborative networks and partnerships.

Budget cuts and the diversion of resources to ameliorate the effects of COVID-19 are set to negatively impact higher education in South Africa, as well as national science and research systems, casting doubt over the system’s ability to meet postgraduate and PhD targets, and sparking fears of staff reductions further down the line as the pandemic continues to slow down the economy.

A number of female business school leaders in Africa have a demonstrable track record of solid professional performance and their brand performance tends to have a positive ripple effect on the institutional brands they lead.

While study in the United States has lost its lustre in recent years, it remains a global brand. However, institutions cannot be complacent: they need to reach out to international students, be honest and transparent and try harder in their recruitment efforts.

At a time of constant disruption, the curriculum needs to enable meaningful learning pathways and help reduce unnecessary bureaucratic practices. The relationship between and progression to different level qualifications should be at the centre of curriculum planning and design in post-secondary education and training.

Many Pacific Rim universities that were best prepared for campus closures at very short notice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic already had emergency disaster response procedures in place encompassing other natural disasters. These will make them more resilient in future pandemics, university presidents say.