Makerere lobbies for internship
Apr 07, 2009
MAKERERE University wants the Government to make it mandatory for public and private enterprises to take on students for industrial training. The move is intended to enhance the students’ practical skills and competitiveness on the job market.
By Francis Kagolo and Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
MAKERERE University wants the Government to make it mandatory for public and private enterprises to take on students for industrial training. The move is intended to enhance the students’ practical skills and competitiveness on the job market.
This follows reports and complaints from employers that the university’s teaching was theoretical and that most graduates do not have practical skills.
Dr. Lillian Tibatemwa, the acting vice-chancellor, urged the Government and the private sector to help the university re-develop its curriculum.
Speaking during the Field Attachment Stakeholders’ Forum yesterday at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Tibatemwa said field-based practical training was vital.
“This is not only useful in the training of students but also in re-orienting lecturers to improve the university’s academic quality,†Tibatemwa said.
Currently, students apply for internship in private organisations which turn away many of them.
Opening the workshop, higher education state minister Mwesigwa Rukutana said under funding and relevance of the curricula remained serious challenges to Government’s efforts of expanding access to higher education.
The workshop attracted attracted hundreds of participants including farmers, the academia and MPs.
MAKERERE University wants the Government to make it mandatory for public and private enterprises to take on students for industrial training. The move is intended to enhance the students’ practical skills and competitiveness on the job market.
This follows reports and complaints from employers that the university’s teaching was theoretical and that most graduates do not have practical skills.
Dr. Lillian Tibatemwa, the acting vice-chancellor, urged the Government and the private sector to help the university re-develop its curriculum.
Speaking during the Field Attachment Stakeholders’ Forum yesterday at Hotel Africana in Kampala, Tibatemwa said field-based practical training was vital.
“This is not only useful in the training of students but also in re-orienting lecturers to improve the university’s academic quality,†Tibatemwa said.
Currently, students apply for internship in private organisations which turn away many of them.
Opening the workshop, higher education state minister Mwesigwa Rukutana said under funding and relevance of the curricula remained serious challenges to Government’s efforts of expanding access to higher education.
The workshop attracted attracted hundreds of participants including farmers, the academia and MPs.