Metropolitan International University asks Govt for internet subsidies

EDUCATION|INTERNET|INSTITUTIONS

KAMPALA - Metropolitan International University has asked the government to subsidise internet costs for high institutions of learning to boost open distance e-learning (ODEL).

The call was made by the University Secretary, Dr Gracious Ariyo Kazaara while delivering his Christmas message to all the institution's stakeholders at the Kampala branch campus in Namungoona.

Dr Ariyo argued that private universities were most hit as the internet cost is exorbitant for example Metropolitan International University pays $1800 (about sh6.5m) for 12.5mps internet speed which is fast enough compared to faster 25mps which costs $5,000 about sh18.2m).

"The cost of the internet is too high, the government should provide subsidies to promote e-learning," Dr Ariyo said.

He reasoned that since the University contributes to human capital development in the country, government should consider it necessary to cut internet costs.

He also observed that students were finding it costly to use sh10,000 daily for data bundles and the connectivity countryside was very poor.

He appealed to the government to improve internet connectivity and put hotspots in the trading centres countrywide to enable students access it.

The university secretary revealed that 1, 500 students have completed studies and sat their exams through e-learning after introducing a variety of software systems which doesn't compromise quality.

He said Metropolitan International University was the 5th to be accredited to use ODEL by the National Council of High Education (NCHE) out of over 32 universities in the country.

The government introduced a policy of ODEL following the COVID-19 pandemic which has wreaked havoc across the world.

Dr Ariyo explained that the university embraced e-learning after developing system software and applications which serve as checks and balances and ensure quality is guaranteed.

The software applications the university employs include anti-plagiarism, model, face recognition, join me and browser lock.

"The quality can't be compromised," he said.

He pointed out that the students who completed their studies will graduate on February 26 next year using a virtual system.

Dr Ariyo hailed President Yoweri Museveni for spearheading the fight against the deadly coronavirus and urged the citizens to observe the standard operating procedures.