By Rafiq Nungor ADAM
In an exclusive interview, Professor David Millar – Vice-Chancellor of the Open University, criticised the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy for its lack of a review period. Speaking at a workshop organised by the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy in Wa, Prof. Millar highlighted that the policy’s static nature hampers development.
“Good policies normally have a review period. The major problem with Free SHS is that it lacks this. A periodic review, say after one or two years, would allow for adjustments and improvements. However, government’s current stance that the policy is fixed and unchangeable is not conducive to development,” he stated during the three-day event at the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDDUBIDS).
Prof. Millar also emphasised the importance of supporting legislators with research assistants to enhance policy-making.
“All MPs should have research assistants to inform their policy decisions. This ensures that policies are well-founded and effectively address societal needs,” he said.
The workshop, aimed at equipping staff and post-graduate students with skills in crafting effective policy and advocacy briefs, featured Prof. Millar as lead facilitator.
Participants engaged in collaborative sessions, working in groups on assignments and presentations organised by the university’s Directorate of Research.
At the opening ceremony, Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof. Osumanu Issaka Kanton underscored the importance of making research accessible to stakeholders. “Research findings should be communicated in clear and simple language to facilitate development,” he noted.
Prof. Frederick Dayour, Director-Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy, stressed the university’s focus on applied research to address societal problems.
“Our mandate is to conduct research that solves basic societal issues. We need innovative strategies to disseminate our findings effectively,” he said, adding that the university must proactively communicate its research in a manner that is understandable and actionable.
