NTCs to start offering degree courses, says Kyambogo VC
What you need to know:
- Motive. Prof Katunguka says the move aims at extending services nearer to the people upcountry.
KABALE.
The Vice Chancellor of Kyambogo University, Prof Eli Katunguka, has said plans are underway to empower all National Teachers’ colleges in Uganda to start offering degree programmes.
Prof Katunguka, who was speaking at the 9th graduation ceremony of National Teachers’ College (NTC), Kabale on Friday, said the move is aimed at extending services nearer to the people upcountry.
“Plans are underway to strengthen affiliation issues between Kyambogo University and all NTCs in Uganda so that they can start offering degree programmes, both physical and online, to encourage students pursue higher education after completing their diploma certificates,” Prof Katunguka said.
Currently, the teachers colleges only offer certificates and diplomas. More than 1,434 students, who completed in 2014, 2015 and 2016 academic years, attained diplomas in primary and secondary education.
The chairman of principals of NTCs, and also the principal of Kabale University, Mr Benjamin Turyahikayo, appealed to the government to consider increasing the students capitation grant of Shs1,800 to at least Shs3,000 to enable them address the ever increasing cost of living.
“The capitation grant of Shs1,800 per day for only 250 days of the year is not enough to cater for breakfast, lunch, evening tea, supper, besides covering other costs of buying scholastic and instructional materials, transport for field work, purchasing firewood, general maintenance, among others,” Mr Turyahikayo said.
The assistant commissioner for higher education scholarships and admission in the Ministry of Education, Ms Jolly Uzamukunda, who represented the minister of Education, Ms Janet Museveni, said government values the good work teachers are doing and that it is committed to improving the conditions at teachers’ colleges.
“The rehabilitation of Kaliro, Muni and Unyama NTCs is complete and the facilities have already been handed over to the administrators for use. The government in June 2016 signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding with the Belgium government to begin the rehabilitation of Kabale and Mubende NTCs and the Education ministry is following up on the matter to ensure that work commences,” Ms Uzamukunda said.
She urged graduands to be responsible and accountable citizens.
NTC District
Kabale Kabale
Mubende Mubende
Unyama Gulu
Kaliro Kaliro
Muni Arua
Ngetta Lira
