Varsities warned on student fee

Ferdinand Tumuhaise (lifted) of St John’s Nyabwina celebrates after scoring 20 points. Students seeking higher education are required to pay Shs20,000 to promote quality education. photo by Alfred Tumushabe

Kampala.

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has directed universities not to register students who fail to pay Shs20,000.
“All universities should follow the law. They should not register students in their respective universities unless they have paid Shs20,000,” Prof Opuda-Asibo, the council’s executive director, said during the body’s 7th higher education exhibition in Kampala at the weekend.

He said they are unable to monitor and accredit all courses offered in institutions of higher learning across the country because of limited resources.

“The number of students qualifying to universities is very big. We need this money to ensure there is quality education provided to Ugandans and that the standard is uniform,” he added.

The government introduced the annual fee in 2011 for every student who enrolls in institutions of higher learning following several complaints that the NCHE was underfunded.

The academician also said some students are exposed to substandard education, which contributes to low skilled graduates in the job market.
However, Prof Opuda-Asibo noted that some institutions have been collecting the money from students but do not remit it to them.
Vice President Edward Ssekandi urged universities to be relevant to the country’s development plan and devote more time to research which will churn out graduates with ability to create wealth.

He said the government would support scientific discoveries and innovations which improve people’s livelihood.
Education minister Jessica Alupo warned against lecturers who give free marks to students in return for sex and asked them to be responsible citizens and avoid risky behaviours.