Kampala, Uganda – May 31, 2023: Makerere University convened Uganda’s Vice-Chancellors Forum on Monday in response to public outcry regarding reports of expired courses being offered by institutions in Uganda.
On May 22, Daily Monitor reported that a university in the United Kingdom rejected an applicant from Makerere University because her course was listed as ‘expired’ on the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) website. This sparked a crisis that led to Uganda’s Vice-Chancellors Forum where vice chancellors from various universities came together to address the issue. Further investigation revealed that the NCHE website had labeled at least 2,260 programs as expired, leaving current and former university students uncertain about the fate of their education.
Hosted by Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, the Vice Chancellors Forum met at Makerere University in Kampala to discuss a way forward for the affected universities. The primary objective was to strengthen internal systems and address the issue of expired academic programs.
During the meeting, Prof. Nawangwe presented a position paper on accreditation of universities and tertiary institutions, focusing on the implications of expired programs, the legal and regulatory framework, strengthening internal review processes, the role of the NCHE, streamlining accreditation procedures, annual reviews and updates, quality assurance structures, and collaboration and compliance.
class="wp-block-heading">Makerere leads the way:
During the meeting, Makerere University took a proactive stance to address the distressing issue of ‘expired’ academic programmes in Ugandan universities.
The sources add that during the meeting, the university presented a comprehensive position paper to the Uganda Vice Chancellors Forum, highlighting the urgency of strengthening internal systems for reviewing and validating academic programmes.
The labeling of programmes as expired has caused significant concern among students, parents, stakeholders, and the general public.
The impact of this situation is immeasurable, affecting the reputation of Ugandan universities, job prospects, career development, and ultimately, the nation’s economy. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Makerere University stresses the need for immediate action.
According to sources, universities can eliminate the need for re-accreditation by developing efficient and effective systems for reviewing and validating their programs. “The role of the NCHE would then shift towards monitoring and inspecting the institutions’ systems to ensure compliance and quality,” the paper states in part.
Makerere University’s position paper presents a comprehensive and practical approach to address the issue of expired programmes in Ugandan universities.
It is now up to the stakeholders and decision-makers to consider these recommendations and take action to strengthen the higher education sector, ensuring the delivery of quality programmes and fostering a conducive learning environment for students across the country.
The ResearchFinds Team is a reporting channel affiliated with us and operates as a dynamic consortium of seasoned reporters at ResearchFinds News, collectively driven by the mission of transforming intricate research findings into accessible news stories tailored for a wider audience.
This team's diverse expertise spans various disciplines, ensuring that research products from fields like science, technology, health, and social sciences are conveyed in an informative and engaging manner. By bridging the gap between academic research and the general public, the ResearchFinds Team plays a crucial role in making complex research accessible to all.
Each member of the ResearchFinds Team is dedicated to the daily task of not only crafting insightful news stories but also ensuring that these stories are promptly shared on our website. This collaborative approach fosters a commitment to providing well-researched, evidence-based narratives that empower readers with knowledge and stimulate meaningful discussions around important research findings.
The team's collective effort is geared towards breaking down the barriers that often separate the academic world from the broader public, making science and research more comprehensible, engaging, and ultimately contributing to informed decision-making.
Minister of Health, @JaneRuth_Aceng presents #Uganda recommendations at the Climate and Health Ministerial meeting at #COP28 pic.twitter.com/W8Phhq17yH
— Ministry of Health- Uganda (@MinofHealthUG) December 4, 2023
