Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) has accredited more universities and degree-awarding institutions in a bid to standardize Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs through a uniform national assessment.
Dr. Wilfred Nahamya Karukuza, the Deputy Executive Director of UBTEB, acknowledged that there was initial resistance from some institutions. However, he noted that universities are gradually adapting to the new requirements. He added that for the July/August examination series, which off (Monday), 20 universities had been accredited as UBTEB assessment centers.
This accreditation ensures that students enrolled in business and TVET programs at these institutions will now undergo uniform national assessments, promoting consistency and standardization across the sector. The move aligns with a 2017 guideline issued by the Ministry of Education and Sports, which mandated that all post-O’level certificate programs be jointly assessed.
This approach is not new, as it has already been fully implemented in health training. Universities and other higher education institutions offering programs in nursing and allied health have been required to have their programs assessed by national examination boards, which also issue the final awards.
However, Dr. Nahamya notes that the adoption of these changes in TVET is progressing slowly, with many universities yet to fully comply with the guidelines. He attributes this lag to the current legal framework, which still grants universities significant autonomy in creating programs and awarding post-secondary certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
“Amid the ongoing TVET reforms, there is a proposed bill to repeal the BTVET Act of 2008 and introduce a new TVET Act. Additionally, the Ministry of Education is working on amending various acts, including the Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, to clearly define the roles and mandates of universities, institutions, and national examination bodies in the context of TVET,” he added.
In addition to pending amendments, the repeal of some laws, and the introduction of new legislation, the Ministry of Education is also developing a National Qualifications Framework. This framework will clearly define the levels of education, establish who is responsible for certification, assessment, and program design, and outline the processes for awarding certificates. It will also facilitate the movement of learners between different areas of study, such as transitioning from TVET to academic programs and vice versa.
URN has learned that both public and private universities and institutions, including those that had previously phased out post-O’level certificate courses, have now reintroduced them through newly established Centers for Lifelong Learning and Skilling centers.
Additionally, some institutions have opted to concentrate on training while delegating the assessment and certificate awarding responsibilities to national bodies. These programs are highly valued for their revenue potential and their capacity to attract a significant number of learners.
Noteworthy among the institutions recently accredited for UBTEB-assessed programs are Makerere University, Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Bishop Stuart University, Metropolitan International University, Victoria university, Bugema University, and Kyambogo University, which is the latest to join, having received its accreditation in July this year, among others.
Meanwhile, Onesmus Oyesigye, UBTEB Executive Secretary, announced that the July/August examination series is set to begin this week. He noted that the exams will be held across 454 centers, including the newly accredited universities, and will involve a total of 58,995 students.
Oyesigye added that preparations for the said national assessment are progressing smoothly, with the delivery of all necessary examination materials and appointment of reconnectors, assessors and verifiers already finished to ensure a seamless process.
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