Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
General Education Minister John Phiri has encouraged teachers in the country to upgrade their academic qualifications in order to improve the quality of education offered to pupils.
Speaking when he officiated at fifth graduation of DMI-St. Eugene University in Lusaka today, Dr Phiri says the successful implementation of the revised curriculum depends on the availability of qualified teachers particularly in Mathematics, Science and Technology.
John Phiri
He says of the 75,236 primary school teachers in the ministry of general education, a staggering 39,261 are primary school teaching certificate holders.
Dr Phiri says for quality education to be realized both primary school certificate holders and secondary school Diploma holders needed to be upgraded from Certificate to Diploma and from Diploma to Degree level respectively.
Dr. Phiri has since urged teachers to fully utilize the Fast Track Teacher education programme which government agreed with DMI-ST. Eugene University aimed at upgrading the qualifications of teachers.
And speaking earlier, DMI ST. Eugene University Chancellor, Dr. Arul Raj reminded that graduands that they can all assist in developing the country and, most importantly, grow the economy.
Meanwhile DMI ST. Eugene University Council President Thomas Ananth says the University is committed to offer quality and relevant education.
Dr Ananth says low quality education has no relevance to the socio-economic development of the nation as it casts doubt and affects output.