EAC develops policy framework on higher education

Oct 24, 2015

East African countries are developing a qualification frame work for higher education which will make East Africa a common higher education zone.

By Cecilia Okoth

East African countries are developing a qualification frame work for higher education which will make East Africa a common higher education zone.

"The regional quality assurance system and qualifications frame work once fully developed, together with their operational instruments, will enable mutual recognition of qualifications among EAC partner states," said Jessica Alupo, the Minister of Education and Sports in a statement read by Timothy Ssejjoba, a Principal Education Officer at the ministry of education.

This was during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed building of the Inter University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), in Kampala on Tuesday.

Alupo said that governments in the region are looking forward to IUCEA's regional higher education policy framework and operational strategy.

The minister also said Uganda, through the support of the African Development Bank, is set to review its strategic plan for higher education, adding that the regional policy framework will also inform the country's process as it reviews its plan.

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New Constructed Inter-University Council for East Africa Headquarter building


The frame work which was approved early this year sets a new level for harmonisation of the region's education.

Under the common higher education area, all the partner states will recognise academic certificates from universities and higher learning institutions in the region, and students will be able to transfer credits across universities in different countries.

The qualifications framework for Higher Education was developed by the IUCEA in consultation with regulators of national higher education.

The IUCEA building which was opened by Shem Bagaine, the State Minister for EAC and costs USD 1.5m (approximately sh5.4b) is the first phase of the project covering an office space of 771 square metres.

Previously, the council rented its offices at the East African Development Bank building.

Prof. Mayunga Nkunya, the Council's Executive Secretary said the construction fund was got from all partner states who contributed USD 500m each (sh1.8b).

He said phase 2 and 3 will be constructed once resources are available.


Minister of State for East Africa Community Affairs  Shem Bageine (center), Executive Secretary of Inter-University council for East Africa (IUCEA) , Prof. Mayunga  Nkunya(left) and Chairperson of IUCEA Ephata Kaaya (right) pose for photo with the staff of IUCEA after inauguration of the new constructed   Inter-University Council for East Africa Headquarter building in Kyambogo

Alupo said in having a home of its own, IUCEA is now in a better position to fulfill its strategic role of promoting internationally comparable higher education standards and systems for sustainable regional development.

"It is a fact that our initiatives need to do more in order to ably respond to the job market demands and the ever changing dynamics of natural and manmade conditions," Alupo said.

Bagaine urged the IUCEA to develop skills that will impart graduates with skills that will make them competitive in the job market.

 

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