Ugandan universities, including Makerere, Kyambogo, Gulu, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), and Makerere University Business School (MUBS), are reportedly offering 222 expired courses, according to a report by the Auditor General. Makerere University leads with 120 expired courses, followed by Kyambogo University with 63, MUST with 21, MUBS with 15, and Gulu with three.
Out of a total of 629 courses offered across these universities, only 332 are accredited, leaving a gap of 222 courses without accreditation. The Auditor General John Muwanga underscores the need to address this issue promptly, expressing concerns about the potential impact on the quality of education.
The report comes after the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) set a deadline of November 30, 2023, for all higher institutions to submit their academic programs for review.
Failure to comply may result in a ban on student enrollment, as stated by NCHE Executive Director Prof Mary Okwakol.
The report also reveals that the delay in accreditation is attributed to extensive consultation processes with stakeholders and staffing challenges at the National Council for Higher Education.
Timely accreditation is deemed crucial to prevent adverse effects on students and graduates, affecting their prospects in the job market and pursuit of further studies.
The report advises the universities and the National Council for Higher Education to initiate accreditation processes in a timely manner to ensure the credibility and quality of academic programs.