Rethink law pre-entry exam

Makerere University last month had the routine law pre - entry exam in bid to identify students suitable for admission to the course. Campus web portal Campus Bee reports that 80% of those who did the examination failed to get the required 50 percent which guarantees admission. 

This is not surprising because such results have been dominant since the exam was introduced 4 years ago. As we ponder on what could be responsible for the massive failure rate, it is important to note that most of those who sit the exam have outstanding scores in Uganda advanced certificate of education (A level) examinations. 

Many people including me have reservations over this manner of admitting students to the profession. I find it illogical to subject a student to examination after excelling in what should have earned him or her automatic admission to the course.  

If the motivation behind the law pre entry exam is desire to get the best, why don't they apply the same criteria while admitting students to other courses? Does that mean other courses don't matter or mediocrity is tolerated elsewhere?

The exam also reflects a struggling or even failed education system otherwise why would a university moreover a public one subject a candidate who excelled in A level to another examination. It means the institution doubts the student's ability despite the excellent A level results.

We must therefore rethink the effectiveness of our education system in light of the massive failures in the law pre - entry exams. Such appalling results must not be ignored but be used as a learning tool.

If this is to continue, it should not single out law but every university course.  

Yeka William

yekawilliam@gmail.com

Twitter: @YekaWilliam

Student, Makerere University