Over the years, I have observed some issues of concerns in higher institution of learning that seem to interest me the most, and that is, the primary objectives for setting up and operating a university. In view of this, I have come to know that despite of the different reasons and motives, there are the essential elements that constitute the primary objectives of the university system, and without its full implementation, the university will automatically become technically none functional, and offer and confirm technically none functional degrees.
But first, by definition, a university is an educational institution designed for instruction and examination of students in many branches of advanced learning, conferring degrees in various departments concerned with the major divisions of knowledge, and often embodying colleges and similar institutions. While a system is a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done; an organized framework or method.
In other words, if a university will exist to fulfill its purpose of being, that university MUST have the capacities to instruct and examine students, and also confirm degrees in their various areas of disciplines. Accordingly, this means that students must have full understand of all the subject matters or courses that contain the degree structure. And if the students will fully comprehend these courses and obtain technically functional degrees, then the primary objectives of the university system must be fully implemented during the time of instructions and examinations, or else, it will be a violation of the principles, procedures and framework on which the university exists.
The Primary Objectives of the University System is to Produce Learners who:
· Knows the major theories and principles of the discipline
· Can apply principal methods of inquiry in the discipline
· Understands the history and philosophy of the field
· Knows the major problems and strengths of the field
· Appreciates the relationship between society and the field
· Demonstrates skills in topical analysis and critical evaluation and comparison, along with individual synthesis
· Professional communication appropriate to the degree level.
Within the scope of the above concept, I have come to understand why in Africa, especially in Liberia, most institutions of higher learning are what in my opinion I may like to call, technically nonfunctional institutions that are granting technically nonfunctional degrees. I am raising this argument because, based on the concept of the primary objectives of a university system. if a university degree will be granted, it means that the elements that constitute the primary objectives of the university system must be embedded in the syllabus, curriculum and lesson plans of courses that make up the course listings of the degree structure, failure to do so means the students:
· Will not know the major theories and principles of the discipline
· Will not be able to apply principal methods of inquiry in the discipline
· Will not understands the history and philosophy of the field
· Will not know the major problems and strengths of the field
· Will not appreciates the relationship between society and the field
· Will not be able to demonstrate skills in topical analysis and critical evaluation and comparison, along with individual synthesis
· Finally, the student will not be able to do professional communication appropriate to the degree level.
What does this mean? It means, in my opinion, the institution is technically nonfunctional, and the degrees that are being granted or awarded are also technically nonfunctional degrees. And this is the major reasons why some students and graduates from the Continent of Africa encounter serious academic challenges when they travel to attend Western institutions of higher learning, or find a job to meaningfully contribute to the society.
At Taongi National University, we understand the academic problems and challenges of Liberia and Africa. We have therefore emerged to help solve them. Accordingly, we have a strong academic team of great experts with decades of experiences in preparing syllabus curriculum, and lesson plans. They are determined to work very hard to exceed global academic standards and also ensure that the quest for quality higher education remains the norms, values and customs of our university system.