The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) in Uganda has refuted reports suggesting that Nigeria might reject degrees issued by Ugandan universities due to authenticity concerns. Prof Mary Okwakol, the executive director of NCHE, stated that Uganda has not received any complaints from Nigeria regarding the validity of academic papers issued by Ugandan institutions.
The speculation arose after reports that Nigeria suspended the accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo. The sanctions were rumored to extend to other countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Niger. However, Prof Okwakol emphasized the lack of formal complaints and urged the concerned country to provide specific information about any allegedly fake degrees for appropriate action.
Educationist Ms Rose Stella Akongo warned students against enrolling in institutions offering substandard courses and acquiring academic documents through fraudulent means. She encouraged students to verify if their chosen institutions are regulated by NCHE to ensure compliance with international minimum standards.
The Ugandan Ministry of Education spokesperson, Mr Dennis Mugimba, refrained from commenting until formal communication is received on the matter. Last year, a Ugandan student faced challenges upgrading in a UK university due to concerns about the expiration of the undergraduate course studied in Uganda. The incident prompted NCHE to review and update expired or due-for-review study programs in Ugandan institutions.
In response to concerns about fake degree awards, Makerere University launched a probe into the issue, and Kyambogo University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Eli Katunguka, warned of possible revocation of degrees obtained fraudulently.
