________________

Teaching institutions are witnessing increased enrollment for teachers seeking degree qualification in teaching and education administration.

According to Stella Rose Akongo, the principal of Luigi Giussani Institute of Higher Education (LGIHE) in Luzira, Kampala, since the passing of the national teachers’ policy in 2019, they have since witnessed a significant increase in the teachers enrolling for an award of degree in teaching.

Addressing journalists shortly after the fourth graduation of the institution held at the school campus on Friday, she said many others are directly enrolling from senior six for a degree qualification in teaching.

“We are having a rise in numbers especially since 2021. What I can say is that in 2020 we had 40 students in total and now we have over 300 students spread across the programmes.

But what I can say, we have witnessed a 40% increase in students enrolling for teaching programmes at degree level among others,” she said.

LGIHE, among other education programmes, trains nursery and primary teachers. They offer certificate, diploma and bachelors in early childhood education, certificate, diploma and bachelors in primary education.

“Over the two-year journey, our mission has been to accompany our students in their quest of learning to be, learning to learn, learning to know, and learning to live together. We have committed to a holistic education that develops the minds, the hands, and hearts of our students. At the same time, we remain committed to developing the teacher that Uganda needs to deliver on her commitment to the global agenda of inclusive education for all by 2030,” she said.

58 graduates were conferred with certificates and diplomas in early childhood education, child care, primary education, education leadership and management and school leadership and management.

George Mutekanga, the assistant commissioner for private schools at the education ministry, urged the graduates not to relent with their studies reminding them of the 2030 deadline for all teachers to have at least a degree.

“By 2030 all of you working as teachers, you should be graduates,” he said, adding that they have been benchmarking, including in Ghana, on how to effectively achieve the teacher policy.

The government while passing the policy among other things phased out lower teaching qualifications in preference for bachelor’s degree for all teachers right from nursery, saying this would boost the quality of teachers and later quality of education in the country.

The policy set a period of ten years within which all teachers both in public and private schools had to attain a degree or else leave the profession. The countdown began and 2030 had been marked as the cut off year.

However, the education ministry officials have since indicated with reservations that it may not be possible to meet the set deadline. With this year (2023) almost ending, it is six full years to the deadline teachers have to beat.

Prof. Betty Ezati the chairperson of Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE) task force commended IGIHE for its commitment on ensuring quality education.

“As the chairperson of UNITE, I am immensely proud of LGIHE’s commitment to quality education. LGIHE’s dedication to shaping the future of education aligns with our collective vision of nurturing a cadre of well prepared and passionate educators for our nation,” she said.

She reminded the graduates that their role extends beyond classrooms and institutions. You hold power to shape minds, inspire change, and transform communities. Your journey does not end here; this is just the beginning

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduates, the parents and the entire IGIHE community for this achievement. May you continue to uphold the values of excellence and continue to pursue your pursuit of knowledge, making a lasting impact in our education sector,” Ezati said.

Shakira Nampera and other graduates expressed gratitude to God, the school and parents for enabling them to successfully complete their studies.