The government of Uganda is exploring the possibility of restricting the number of students entering higher education institutions in the country. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of graduates produced by these institutions. The announcement was made by Prof. Mary Okwakol, the executive director of the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE), during the 20th Anniversary celebrations of NCHE at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The event was themed “20 Years of the National Council for Higher Education; Transforming Higher Education in Uganda.” According to Prof. Okwakol, their plan to control university enrollments involves the establishment of a centralized admission system. Under this system, all students seeking admission to higher education institutions will go through a standardized process.
The idea for such a system was outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) III, and its implementation is now being considered. Current statistics from the National Planning Authority (NPA), as of 2021, reveal that approximately 700,000 individuals enter the job market in Uganda annually. However, only around 90,000 of them manage to secure employment. This imbalance can be attributed, in part, to the substantial growth in the number of higher education institutions, which has increased from 67 in 2001 to 256 at present.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Government’s Objective | To enhance the quality of graduates by limiting university admissions in Uganda. |
| Announcement Source | Prof. Mary Okwakol, Executive Director of the National Council of Higher Education (NCHE). |
| Implementation Plan | Introduction of a centralized admission system for prospective higher education students. |
| Rationale for the Change | Addressing the employment imbalance in Uganda, where many graduates struggle to find jobs. |
| Higher Education Growth | The number of higher education institutions has increased from 67 in 2001 to 256 presently. |
These developments signal the government’s intent to take measures in regulating university admissions in Uganda.
