Dear Editor,

Obtaining tertiary education is a critical aspect of self-actualisation and economic stability — at least for some — but are our higher education institutions (HEIs) really fulfilling their mandate?

The success of HEIs is assessed based on different criteria, including quality research output, the number of faculty with terminal degrees, world-class programmes and facilities, and student graduation success and employment rates.

Locally, our HEIs are encouraging more faculty to pursue doctoral degrees and engage in research, but the truth is that a lot of conversations have surrounded the employability and marketability of our graduates.

In an economy like Jamaica’s, it is understandable that we need market-ready graduates. It has often been said that there is a gap between what HEIs produce and the current and future demands of the workforce. This is why attempts have been made to conduct market research to see what skills are needed. Several HEIs are now offering new programmes and short courses for upskilling.

But what is their mandate, other than graduating students who will work to keep the economy afloat? Where are the philosophers and thought leaders? Are we challenging assumptions and ideologies? Are we pushing boundaries on a socio-cultural and political level? What is our role in shaping ethics?

How well are we equipping our students? To what extent are we helping them to cultivate a creative and innovative mindset? Are we developing their quest for enquiry?

Academic faculty must shift from mere content delivery to foster critical thinking in our students. Frankly, too many students lack reasoning abilities. They do not read, in general, and are unaware of what is happening in local and international contexts.

But to encourage knowledge creation, a shifting is needed, and it is not just about amplifying focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). We have an increasing number of grants and scholarships in that regard, which is good. Anything to support our deserving and needy students is welcome. However, we must also support projects and initiatives that raise critical, uncomfortable questions around social justice, equity and inclusion, and balancing the humanities in a world that increasingly values STEM fields.

There was a recent discussion on X (formerly Twitter) about some high schools at which English literature is mandatory at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) level and not information technology (IT).

It sort of reinforced a prevailing bias that the STEM areas are more critical than the soft sciences (humanities). However, there is no competition. Both disciplines should complement each other. In fact, many areas of IT thrive because of the humanities. A classical example is communication. We have gradually been transitioning from traditional forms of communication to digital communication.

On another note, commendations to The University of the West Indies (UWI) at Mona for organising its recruitment team to target international students in light of US President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which have serious consequences for many foreign students. The UWI has a good reputation regionally and in Latin America, as well as internationally. It could be a good avenue to attract some of these bright minds to Jamaica.

The University of Technology, Jamaica should also be intentional in this regard. I have studied and worked in other systems and believe that we have a good system in Jamaica. In fact, I dare say that some of our local programmes are quite rigorous. However, are we draconian at times in our grading? When we assess the grading system in many American universities, it seems uncustomary for students to score in the C range. It appears that, as long as students follow the rubric, they can easily score in the A range. Is it that our students are not so meticulous?

Additionally, do we have the requisite programmes and facilities to accommodate those who we want to attract? Internationalisation is a huge part of 21st-century education and our HEIs have to continually evolve to keep up with the times.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com