English boosts lecturers' careers

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Lecturers at Lampung University cannot hope for promotion unless they master the English language.

Rector Alhusniduki Hamim has made it a rule that teachers must pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) to get promotions.

Alhusniduki was quoted by Antara as saying on Saturday that many lecturers questioned the policy when it was first implemented 10 years ago.

"Now they can reap the benefit of the policy for their individual advancement, as well as increasing the quality of the university," he said.

Alhusniduki said the regulation has enabled some 38 percent of the university's lecturers to obtain their masters and doctoral degrees from universities abroad.

There are currently 198 lecturers studying abroad, 44 of which are pursuing their doctoral degrees, he said. (14)