The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Uganda has taken a stand on the issue of universities offering unaccredited programs. In a recent statement, the NCHE has given affected institutions a six-month ultimatum to rectify the situation.
According to Prof Mary Okwakol, the Executive Director of NCHE, qualifications obtained in previously accredited courses will still be considered valid. However, there was no detailed explanation provided on how these qualifications remain valid if the programs have not been re-accredited in accordance with quality assurance requirements.
In response to the growing concerns, Prof Okwakol has directed institutions offering unaccredited or expired programs to undergo reassessment as soon as possible. The deadline for this reassessment is set for November 30.
The issue gained prominence when an alumna of Makerere University was denied admission to pursue an advanced degree at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. The reason cited was that her initial qualification was from an “expired” academic program. This incident prompted further investigation, which revealed that numerous programs across 47 universities and multiple tertiary institutions had expired several years ago but were still being taught.
The Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act of 2001 in Uganda mandates the reaccreditation of programs every five years for bachelor’s, master’s, diploma, and higher education certificate courses. Doctoral programs are required to be re-evaluated every ten years.
Some university heads have argued that they are in compliance with the law and blamed the NCHE for the situation, citing delays in the accreditation process. However, Prof Okwakol has shifted the responsibility back to the institutions themselves, emphasizing that they have the primary responsibility to ensure they admit students and teach only accredited programs.
The NCHE is now investigating claims that Ugandans applying for graduate studies abroad have been turned away by foreign universities due to their qualifications being from unaccredited programs. Prof Okwakol has urged individuals with evidence to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The situation has caused anxiety among students, alumni, and households, as the validity of their qualifications comes into question. The NCHE and the universities are now working towards resolving the issue within the stipulated timeframe, aiming to protect the interests and future prospects of affected individuals.
It remains to be seen how institutions will address the challenge of reassessing and reaccrediting their programs within the given deadline while balancing the cost and complexity of the process. The NCHE is expected to closely monitor the progress and take appropriate actions to ensure compliance with quality assurance requirements in Uganda’s higher education sector.
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