The private sector is proposing that universities develop courses at a technical level in areas such as electronics or hospitality, rather than just focusing on higher level academic degrees and diplomas.
This shift in the educational system which it is hoped will happen in universities would need to be a public-private joint effort, since, according to presidential advisor Bayardo Arce, "...
The government aims to restructure the institute by investing in new equipment and improving facilities, beginning with the construction of a water treatment plant.
The first phase includes the construction of the treatment plant, adaptation of laboratories and building a new one dedicated to biotechnology.
Prensa.com reported that "...The area of technical knowledge, there will be strengthening of materials for industrial crops, animal husbandry, cultivation of basic grains, animal health, reforestation, swine and poultry."
Business leaders will form part of the technical committee of advisers to the Grand Canal Megaproject in Nicaragua.
Joseph Adam Aguerri, president of the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (Cosep) and Benjamin Lanzas, chief of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Construction were chosen by the board of Cosep as their representatives to the committee.
Also elected as alternates were Rodrigo Caldera of the Chamber of Industries, (Cadin) and Ricardo Meléndez of the Chamber of Urban Builders (Cadur) .
The 1400 technicians currently covering all areas, are insufficient to advise farmers.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that approximately 85% of the Ministry of Agricultural Development’s technical staff are in the process of retirement.
"Although the country has institutes for training agronomists, it is difficult to compete with the salaries offered in the private sector, said Sebastian Mirones, Secretary General of MIDA.