The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) has successfully concluded its inspection and assessment of Nkumba University, uncovering certain aspects for improvement within the institution.
The evaluation, which commenced on Tuesday, 22 August, 2023, involved a thorough examination of the University’s campus facilities, including its library halls, lecture rooms, administrative blocks, and laboratories.
The process was led by Dr. Ssemambo Hussein Kisembo, the Higher Education Officer responsible for Institutional Licensing and Accreditation at NCHE.
Dr. Ssemambo elucidated the purpose behind the rigorous evaluation, stating, “We have been here assessing the University to see if they meet the requirements and standards of the National Council for Higher Education.”
He further highlighted that the inspection serves dual purposes, the verification of licensing qualifications and the accreditation of academic programs. “For an institution to be licensed, it must have the requisite requirements in terms of infrastructure, human resources, viable academic staff, financial capacity, and other academic facilities like laboratories,” he explained.
Program accreditation is contingent upon institutional licensing, establishing a symbiotic relationship between the two.
To guide prospective students, Mr. Ssemambo offered prudent advice, “Students must be very careful when applying. Find out if the institution is licensed, and if it is licensed, ascertain if the program you wish to pursue is accredited. An institution might be licensed while the program of interest isn’t accredited, so vigilance is crucial.”
“We believe that, for the most part, we have identified what we were looking for. There are a few areas that require improvement, but overall, the university is compliant.” added Dr. Ssemambo.
Among the recommendations put forth by the delegation, was suggestion to relocate the Department of Hospitality to the School of Business Administration and moving the Master of Arts in History to the School of Sciences.
Professor Jude Lubega, the Vice-Chancellor, conveyed gratitude to the delegation for their efforts and affirmed the university’s commitment to integrating the NCHE’s recommendations into their plans.
Dr. Pio Kiyingi, the Academic Registrar, expressed a profound sense of pride in the institution’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence. “We are confident that the inspection has validated our ability to continue serving Ugandans,” he remarked.
Dr. kiyingi also highlighted the institution’s robust e-learning platform, which received praise from the delegation. “The delegation has recommended that we capitalize on our e-learning hub, and we are aligning ourselves within that guidance. We have consistently upheld standards by focusing on academic infrastructure, skilling facilities, and building a competent staff.”
The NCHE, as the governing body for higher education institutions in the country offering diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, master’s, and Ph.D. programs, carries the responsibility of reviewing applications for the establishment of private higher education institutions.
Its ultimate mandate lies in ensuring the quality and standards of higher education throughout the nation.
