Govt urges private vocational institutions to meet standards

A teacher supervises students during a tailoring lesson at Brother Konrad Vocational and Training School in northern Uganda recently. The government has launched a practical skills programme dubbed “Skilling Uganda”. At least Shs200b is expected to be injected into the programme annually in the next 10 years. file photo 

By AL-MAHDI SSENKABIRWA

In Summary

Many institutions of higher learning are reportedly offering some courses which are not accredited by NCHE.

Kampala.

The government has advised private vocational and technical institutions to fulfill the required standards if they want their academic programmes accredited by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE).

This comes on the heels of reports that many institutions of higher learning, including universities, are offering some courses which are not accredited by NCHE and when students graduate, their qualifications are rejected by employers.

Speaking at the 6th graduation ceremony of Lady Valeria Vocational and Business College, Matugga on Friday, the commissioner in-charge of Business Technical Vocational Education and Training (BTVET), Ms Sarah Namuli, said: “If you fulfill what they want, I am sure all the programmes offered here will be recognised and even if you want to become a technical and vocational university, it is also possible now.”

This followed a complaint by Ms Violah Naluwooza, the director of the college, that NCHE had refused to recognise their courses. At least 280 graduates received certificates and diplomas in mobile phone repair, catering and hotel management, tailoring and designing, carpentry and motor vehicle repairing.

Wakiso District Woman MP Rosemary Sseninde faulted the government for failing to fulfill its pledge of establishing a vocational institute at every sub-county, saying this had hindered the implementation of a well-thought plan to impart skills to Ugandans.

More than five years ago, government promised to establish a vocational school at every sub-county as part of a wider plan to change the country’s education regime from a theoretical one to a largely skilled based system. However, this programme is yet to kickoff.

Ms Sseninde, who also doubles as the chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Quality Education, said some individuals who have managed to establish private vocational and technical schools, receive little or no financial support from government.

Recently, the government launched a practical skills programme dubbed “Skilling Uganda” and at least Shs200b is expected to be injected into the programme annually in the next 10 years.