NCHE asks govt to fund Ph.D students

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has asked the Government to develop policies to enable private universities Ph.D students to access funds for research.

This was revealed by Dr Cyrus Seera Ssebugenyi the principle higher education officer at the launch of a Ph.D programme in business management at Ndejje University campus in Rubaga, Kampala on Friday.

Ssebugenyi said there are many students who would like to conduct research in this country but majority are overwhelmed by fees required.

“The Government has not put aside enough money to help Ph.D students in conducting their research,” he said.

Dr Cyrus Seera Ssebugeny

Ssebugenyi noted that majority of the students from private universities end up in public service which means that education and research is intended for national development.

Currently, over 90% of institutions of higher learning are run by the private sector with six public universities out of 35 in the country.

Ssebugenyi also urged doctorate students to work hard because the course relies entirely on students’ research.

Dr. Mary wanda the academic registrar Ndejje University, said the programme entails students to conduct practical research and writing their thesis.

“This is the highest level of education one can attain and it requires you to conduct enough practical research so as to increase on knowledge level in your professions as well as in the communities where you live,” Wanda said while introducing the programme to the pioneer class of eight students.

Ndejje University Rubaga campus Ph.D pioneer class, their lecturers and an officer from NCHE in group picture

 
Among the students undertaking the programme is Justice Joseph Murangira, a High Court judge, who clarified that enrolling for a Ph.D in business does not mean he is quitting his profession.

“I am doing this research as an avenue to solve problems of delayed justice, back log issues and cases taking long to be resolved in the courts of law when the public needs justice,”Murangira said.

Dr Pius Achanga, a senior officer and guest of honour from NCHE said this is an opportunity for PhD students to support each other as well as finding lasting solutions to the problems in the world today.

 
“This can only be achieved when you are in touch with your supervisors and ensure you change your attitudes towards research in order to succeed,”Achanga said.

He added that the pioneer class should take heart and successfully finish their course.

“You should support each other in the next three years so that other classes that will come after you find a good legacy,” he said.