NCHE wants sh5bn to improve quality of education

By John Agaba

THE 8th National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) exhibition opened on Thursday on a low, with fewer universities and tertiary institutions showcasing their programmes and innovations compared to last year.

But perhaps what was key on this career-guidance pegged exhibition was the deliberate move by majority institutions of higher learning that graced the function to only display the ‘practical’ programmes they offer — alluding to the agenda that university education in Uganda needs to shift from theoretical to imparting of tangible skills if it is to stay relevant.

Uganda Christian University, recently ranked second best University in Uganda in an employers’ choice survey by New Vision, showcased their much fancied programme in Journalism and Communication studies, and how they implement it.

The Institute of Petroleum studies in Kampala displayed their Quest Energy-powered programme in Oil and Gas, and how it can alleviate youth unemployment.

And the Ernest Cook Ultrasound Research Institute at Mengo Hospital talked their expertise in medical imaging and diagnostic ultrasound; and Kisubi University their programmes that centre mainly on arts and crafts.

Many tertiary institutions, some from Kenya, displayed their vocational acumen. It was a pity not many secondary students and the youth were inside the exhibition halls to influence their career choices.

Presiding over the opening ceremony, education minister, Jessica Alupo, called upon the NCHE (as the higher education regulatory body in Uganda) to ensure quality among Universities and tertiary institution  in the country (In terms of the programmes and degrees the institutions award).

She told the universities and tertiary institutions exhibiting to be innovative to utilize the recently and soon to be enrolled innovations fund.

Sebaggala Kigozi, NCHE’s vice chairperson and executive director Uganda Manufacturers Association, however, asked the government to increase the budget allocated to the quality assurance if “we are to do an excellent job.”

He said the council needs about sh5b in the 2015/2016 on top of what they currently receive.

“The number of tertiary institutions and universities that we have to visit to ensure that their infrastructure matches the programmes they offer is increasing by the day. We need an additional budget to ensure that our staff reach all corners of Uganda and accredit programmes,” he said.

NCHE executive director, Prof. John Opuda-Asibo, said the purpose of the exhibition, running under the theme, partnerships in higher education for social transformation, was to bring potential students in touch with universities and tertiary institutions so they (potential students) can be informed about what each university and tertiary institution offers. 

“It (the exhibition) is for career guidance,” he said.

About 50 institutions of higher  learning (both from Uganda and the East African Community) had their stalls set by the time of the opening ceremony on Thursday morning out of the about 195 institutions of higher learning invited.