NCHE Seeks Stronger Laws to Combat Non-Compliant Universities

The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) is moving to strengthen its legislative powers to effectively close down universities and tertiary institutions that disregard compliance and quality standards.

NCHE Executive Director, Prof. Mary Okwakol, highlighted that a significant hurdle in enforcing regulations is the frequent issuance of interim court orders, which allow non-compliant institutions to continue operations while legal processes linger. This loophole undermines the council’s authority and delays necessary actions.

These challenges were discussed during a recent benchmarking visit by officials from the Somalia National Commission for Higher Education. Prof. Okwakol explained that closing institutions is difficult, impacting student records and their transition to other academic programs.

The council also expressed concern over institutions operating unauthorized campuses and offering unaccredited programs. Dr. Vincent Ssembatya, Director of the Quality Assurance Department, warned that students enrolled in such unaccredited courses risk having their qualifications unrecognized.

Furthermore, NCHE is addressing instances where university proprietors interfere with management, treating institutions as personal businesses rather than autonomous academic entities, which is contrary to established laws requiring a separation of powers.

Officials from Somalia’s National Commission for Higher Education expressed interest in Uganda’s regulatory system to address similar issues in their country, which faces challenges with over 130 private universities and significant regulatory gaps.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nche-moves-to-strengthen-law-to-close-non-compliant-universities-5460074