Summary:
- Kyambogo University attributed the issue to insufficient funds, stating that despite submitting requests for additional resources to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service, they had not received any response.
KAMPALA: Members of Parliament have expressed concerns about the quality of Civil Engineering training at Kyambogo University, highlighting that students receive fewer instructional hours and lack sufficient practical materials.
These concerns were raised following discussions on the Auditor General’s report, which revealed that during Semester One of the 2022/23 academic year, students in the Civil and Building Engineering programs received inadequate practical training, with the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering lacking essential instructional materials.
Kyambogo University attributed the issue to insufficient funds, stating that despite submitting requests for additional resources to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Public Service, they had not received any response. The University sought additional wages to recruit technicians to address the shortage.
“With limited time for hands-on practice, the quality of engineering graduates could be compromised, which may affect their competitiveness in the job market. Additionally, equipment that remains idle for long periods may deteriorate, leading to a failure in achieving value for money,” remarked Muwanga Kivumbi, Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). He urged the university to continue pushing for funding to hire full-time laboratory technicians.
Parliament also criticized Kyambogo University for continuing to teach 63 “expired courses” due to delays in renewing them, as required by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE). The PAC report highlighted that the failure to review academic programs meant students were being trained in outdated courses that were not aligned with current job market needs.
According to the Auditor General, NCHE regulations mandate the review of undergraduate programs every five years and postgraduate programs every ten years to ensure they remain relevant to the evolving economic landscape. However, by December 2023, 63 programs at Kyambogo University had not been reviewed.
University officials explained that the delays were due to a lengthy consultation process involving various stakeholders, including the education sector, the public, academic departments, the Senate, and the University Council.
“These regulations are essential for ensuring the relevance and quality of programs. Non-compliance means students continue studying programs that do not meet current industry needs. The Accounting Officer should prioritize early consultations to ensure all academic programs are updated,” added Kivumbi
