Is YMCA a recognised institution for upgrading?

Nov 17, 2009

ASK THE EXPERT<br><br>I completed S.6 in 2007 and I scored 10 points with three principal passes but I could not upgrade due to some problems. I want to pursue a diploma course at YMCA. Will it be possible for me to get a degree course at any univ

ASK THE EXPERT

I completed S.6 in 2007 and I scored 10 points with three principal passes but I could not upgrade due to some problems. I want to pursue a diploma course at YMCA. Will it be possible for me to get a degree course at any university after that? Is YMCA recognised? I want to either study business administration or procurement and logistics. Which of these two courses is marketable and will enable me manage this competitive world?

- Tina,
Munyonyo


Dear Tina,

it is true if one graduates from an institute that is not recognised, it may hamper their career opportunities and chances for further studies. However, YMCA is among the oldest institutions in the country, having opened in 1961.

YMCA is among the 31 private tertiary institutions in Uganda recognised by the education ministry. The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), which is charged with accrediting academic institutions and programmes in the country, certified the institute in December last year, according to the council’s website (www.nche.or.ug)

Prof. A.B. Kasozi, the NCHE executive director, says once an institute is accredited by the council, its graduates are eligible for admission into any university in the country and abroad, if they meet the requirements of that particular university. This, therefore, should allay your fears that universities might reject you once you graduate from YMCA.

The institute offers a wide range of vocational and business-related courses, among them business administration and procurement and logistics. On the diploma scheme, both courses take two years. Herbert Mukasa, the Wandegeya YMCA branch director, says the three principal passes you scored in UACE make you eligible for admission on any of the diploma courses. He says the institute charges sh200,000 and sh220,000 tuition fees for certificate and diploma programmes respectively.

The business administration course gives students a broad base of business knowledge, understanding and skills.

Peter Odoki, a graduate of the same course from Makerere University Business School (MUBS), says the programme has various areas of specialisation including accounting, marketing, finance and banking, and entrepreneurship. Graduates get jobs in banks, insurance companies, audit firms, government institutions and private companies.

On the other hand, procurement and logistics provides a thorough knowledge and understanding of managing procurement, ware housing and stores management, and contract management within a supply chain context. Most institutions, both public and private today have procurement departments where graduates are employed.

Mukasa and Odoki, who is also the MUBS public relations officer, say both courses are marketable. However, Mukasa explains that majority of the students pursue business administration compared to procurement.

He advises that procurement would do better for you. After graduating from YMCA, you would then enroll for a degree programme at a university of your choice through the diploma holders’ entry scheme.

MUBS offers programmes in the same fields. Related courses are offered at Nkumba and Kampala universities.

Compiled by Francis Kagolo
education@newvision.co.ug

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