By: Trinidad Guardian

Wednesday September 22,

Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education Fazal Karim says the Government Assisted Tertiary Education (Gate) programme will be reviewed to suit the needs of the diversified economy.

“We intend to review the Gate programme,” he said. “What is happening is that we have new economic development sectors that are emerging in the diversified economy, and if you are going to be financing education and training programmes, it is our view that these programmes must have an alignment with the developmental

strategy of the country.” 

Karim was speaking with reporters yesterday, after delivering an address at the launch of the Caribbean Science Foundation and the Caribbean Science Forum, held at Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain.

He said training and education being funded by the Government should be “demand led,” which meant tertiary programmes should be based around what jobs were required to satisfy the economy’s needs. 

He said education must focus on areas of economic development, giving the example of the need for shipbuilding and maintenance professionals. Karim said by reviewing programmes offered under Gate, Government was ensuring that all graduates could find employment within the local economy.

When asked whether he thought the reviewing of Gate programmes would discourage students, he said: “It should encourage people to explore post-secondary education for areas in which there is a need for qualified individuals.” 

He said within the next two weeks, a note would be taken to Cabinet to have Gate assessed and reviewed by the newly-appointed National Education Commission. 

Karim said to determine the needs of the economy and what is being offered by Gate, the National Education Commission would “evaluate all programmes to see if they have been achieving their mandate and objectives set forth.”

He did not say whether programmes not in demand would be removed, but said: “I have never said anything about Gate being interfered with, but it will be reformed.” 

Karim said along with programme review, vocational studies would be expanded and the Government would look at expanding facilities to enhance local institutions to encourage students to study locally.