Howard University head: Tertiary education reform needed

Effective management, strategic financial planning and curriculum review are just some of the measures to ensure a better-functioning higher education system.

The Trinidad-born president of Howard University, USA, Dr Wayne Frederick, spoke about the different ways in which restructuring the tertiary education system can be fruitful for students, administration and government.

Speaking on various sub-topics, he outlined work ethic, team-building, leadership, diversification, good management and fiscal responsibility as factors critical to a successful tertiary education sector.

Most notably, Frederick said, creating new opportunities to merge academic and practical knowledge is important to create critical thinkers, both at the student and teaching levels.

“Our corporations and industries are too far removed from our academic environment. Companies too often complain that new employees are not sufficiently skilled. My recommendation has been to get them ready through school/work opportunities.”

His address was titled Leadership in Times of Disruption and Innovation: Insights from Higher Education and Medicine.

It was part of the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC) 18th annual George Carlington Simmons lecture series, held at the Hilton Trinidad today.