Kasozi’s model has potential solutions

Nov 17, 2009

FROM THE EDITOR<br><br>For decades, public universities have complained of insufficient funding and low tuition fees that compromise the quality of education. Even after the introduction of the private scheme, strikes sparked off by students or lecture

FROM THE EDITOR

For decades, public universities have complained of insufficient funding and low tuition fees that compromise the quality of education. Even after the introduction of the private scheme, strikes sparked off by students or lecturers have become a trademark of most universities.

Amidst these challenges, critics say the main problem public universities face is not inadequate funding but lack of a strict accountability mechanism which often leads to the mismanagement of funds. In a business plan presented to the university council, the newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor for Makerere, Prof. Vernasuis Baryamureeba, attributes the institution’s monetary woes to unguided expenditure and poor financial management. If Prof. Kasozi’s funding model is to be implemented, functional accountability structures have to be established. Universities should run, not as avenues of expenditure, but as revenue generating entities whose operations can be sustained without external funding.

For many years, universities have been operating without close links with the private sector. Kasozi’s model involves the private sector not just as a consumer but a stakeholder. As a key recipient of university products, the private sector should boost research and innovation that fail to take off due to lack of funds. The private sector should consider investment in applied research as a social responsibility whose dividend is priceless.

No funding model can be imported wholesale from one country into another. Uganda’s public universities have unique challenges whose solutions have to be analysed within the country’s socioeconomic context. Kasozi’s model might have its own weaknesses, but it introduces thought-provoking principles that will set the ball rolling. The model also reflects the need to take the investment in higher education more seriously.

Education, especially higher education, is a key engine that drives productivity and economic growth. Kasozi’s model has the potential to catapult Uganda’s university education to greater heights.

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