Authorities at Nkumba University yesterday, 14th February 2024 engaged a team from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), in a move to seek clearance for rolling out a Diploma in Nursing and a Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery.
According to the Academic Registrar, the University has pooled resources to build and supplement its Nursing programs with Diplomas given the growing demand.
“Because we offer certificates in both programs, there have been calls from our former students and others to upgrade to Diplomas and this is why we are engaging the regulatory body to ascertain our capacity. ” Said Dr. Kiyingi.
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) delegation spent a better part of the day assessing the University’s capacity to run both programs at Diploma Level.
According to the University management, the two new programs have been keenly structured to meet the growing demand for qualified nurses and midwives in the country.
The Nkumba University Quality Assurance Officer, Madam Namwanje Rosette said, “As an institution, we have all that is required to start, but the regulatory body, National For Higher Education has the final say and this inspection is key in ensuring that we operate within the requisite guidelines.”
“program eligibility entirely depends on whether we meet the standards.” She added
The assessment involved inspecting the teaching and learning facilities, verifying staff capacity and qualifications, plus corroborating course curriculum and standards.
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is a semi-autonomous government agency that regulates higher education in Uganda.
It is mandated under the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act of Parliament (UOTIA, 2001) to guide on the establishment and accreditation of public and private institutions of higher education, set and coordinate national standards for admission of students to the different institutions of higher education, and ensure compliance.
Nkumba University is now awaiting the inspection report before initiating the advertisement of the two Diploma programs that will see the institution skill healthcare professionals while adhering to national educational standards.
