Pandor urges universities to improve learning and teaching

She says too many students are entering tertiary institutions, only to end up failing.

“One of the first challenges is the university in all its systems, practices and support interventions must embrace the fact that access must result in success.’

‘’Too many students are entering our universities to fail. We cannot afford such a waste of human resources. This means all our institutions need to devote increased attention to improve learning and teaching,” she said.

Pandor delivered the keynote address at the University of South Africa’s 145th anniversary in Pretoria on Wednesday.

Former president Thabo Mbeki was also in attendance.

Pandor welcomed Unisa’s decision to increase the amount of post-graduate students.

She says this will greatly benefit the country and continent.

“I have noted Unisa’s contribution to increase post-graduate student numbers, this is an area which South Africa and the entire African continent still have a great deal work to do.

Increases in doctoral graduations, particularly in science and engineering, will substantially increase Africa’s pool of knowledge workers and innovators,” says Pandor.