Government tertiary institutions can't absorb USE graduates - minister

By Brian Mayanja

Government tertiary institutions will not absorb Universal Secondary Education (USE) graduates by 2013, state minister for higher education Dr. John Muyingo  has said.

Muyingo said the challenge will be to accommodate the over 1.2m USE graduates in tertiary institutions.

“It is anticipated that in two years’ time, many of these young people will be ready for tertiary education. There is also increased demand for University education by adults, therefore the need for more Universities for Uganda is more urgent than ever before,” Muyingo added.

Muyingo however, challenged the existing private institutions to invest in research.

He noted that Government had shifted from offering academic- based courses to more competence based skills training with a holistic approach.

Muyingo said government was committed to address the increasing unemployment by putting much emphasies on prioritizing skills development Muyingo.

The minister  made the remarks while launching Virtual University of Uganda and installing its chancellor.

He said given the opportunity to study through online, professionals are able to advance their careers.

Muyingo said the full potential of open and distance learning had not been exploited in most of the institutions.

“It is relatively new in the country and perhaps not well understood. We need to continue sensitizing and ensure high quality programmes,” he explained.

He said Uganda National Council for Higher Education has started to address the quality of assurance issues by setting minimum requirements for accreditation of any distance learning program.

The University chancellor Justice Angin Flavia Ssenoga said in January, the University will start its first post graduate programmes in Public Health and international Development.

She noted that by providing quality education online, the University would be able to make a significant difference in education sector.

“We wish to do this in an original and innovative way by enabling our students to study while working,” she said.