By Michael Tumwesigye
In May 2023, the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) published a full list of expired courses in Ugandan Universities. This revelation attracted various concerns from the general public over these outdated educational programs offered to students in Uganda by several universities and other higher education Institutions. Legislation that specifically governs higher institutions of learning is explicit. The universities and other tertiary institutions Act of 2001 mandates the NCHE to provide guidance on the establishment of universities and other post-secondary institutions, as well as their authorization, certification and academic programmes certification. For the avoidance of doubt, under Section 119A of the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act 2001, no person shall operate a university, other degree-awarding nstitution, or tertiary institution without the prior accreditation of its academic and professional programs by NCHE.
THE REQUIREMENTS
In addition to hindering one’s ability to get a job, enrolling in a course that is “invalid” or “expired” prevents one from applying for a higher-level course to further one’s education. In this context, “expired” or “invalid” courses refer to degree or diploma programs that have not been officially accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).
Therefore, when an institution wants to offer a specific academic program, they submit an application to NCHE with all the details. NCHE then reviews the application, looks at the key courses, determines whether the admission requirements are legal, and determines whether the institution has the necessary staff, resources and equipment to deliver the program’s knowledge and learning effectively. Review of academic programs at higher education institutions is required by law. The law requires that an institution immediately stops admitting new students and graduating students from programs that have not been submitted and re-accredited, following the expiration of a prior accreditation since the academic degrees won’t be recognized by other institutions. However, many higher education institutions as of May 2023 admitted students and gave awards in “expired” courses, a practice that has a negative effect on the nation’s reputation, the education industry, and jeopardizes students’ futures in the global job market and their ability to further their education in many parts of the world.
WHO IS TO BLAME?
Universities are responsible for failing to exercise due diligence to deliver courses that are legitimate and approved by the regulator, the NCHE. Some university administrators responded by blaming the high expense of the certification procedure, citing seven hundred thousand shillings for the validation of a course unit. Others scolded NCHE for their negligence and overbearing delays. At university departments, schools and colleges as well as periodically at the Senate level for re-accreditation as required by law, delays in the review of various programs are mentioned. According to reports, there is also hold up on the NCHE side; delays in processing programs for certification as well as website updates.
THE REPERCUSSIONS
The University of Cambridge, which oversees the European higher education system and works with the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Uganda to help students get into accredited programs, recently issued a warning that receiving academic transcripts for a course that has already expired, will make it more difficult for one to continue one’s education or find employment in Europe. It is important to keep in mind that such systems might possibly be in use in North America and other regions of the world. In fact, some students have complained that their applications to further their education in Europe and South Africa were rejected as a result of the tight situation with expired courses. Moreover, being informed that one’s credentials attained don’t matter is shocking and painful for parents, guardians and sponsors of students who have spent their hard-earned money on their children’s education.
Consequently, this has a negative effect on the country’s educational system’s reputation for both Ugandan and international students.
HOW CAN THE SITUATION BE MANAGED?
Universities should have a course log for academic program accreditation so they may effectively coordinate with NCHE and quickly track the status of their courses. The 5-year time frame offered for approved courses appears to be too succinct to encourage Universities to have full-time conformance. NCHE may need to add further years to the duration of authorized courses. Universities and NCHE should also receive more financing from the government. Students’ contributions of 20,000 Ugx per student per year as NCHE fee to universities are not sufficient. More funding for universities will help them deal with the problems caused by the loss of university lecturers due to poaching, retirement, death or brain drain.
Universities are likewise required to offer legitimate education in the same way as legal firms are required to pay taxes to the Uganda Revenue Authority. The occurrence of expired courses in various institutions is a sign of some sort of reluctance at the NCHE and university levels.
