Integration of Quality into University Academic Programs for National Development in Uganda

Abstract

The education system in East Africa is still premised on the colonial type which emphasizes theory, rote learning, memorization and reproduction (recall) of knowledge by learners during assessment. Such a teaching and learning method punch a huge hole into students’ ability to problem-solve and hinders the development of students’ creative and innovative potential. This challenge has persisted for years in spite of Africa’s breaking loose from colonial rule in the 1960s. As a result, there has been a growing concern from employers in diverse sectors across the region about the quality of university graduates to effectively participate in the workforce for societal transformation. Therefore, this chapter demonstrates the need for university program development to be inclusive, consultative, needs-based and integrative, as a strategy for minimizing theoretical education. Drawing from practical experiences in the creation of a new program (PhD. in Education) at Kabale University in Uganda, a multisectoral stakeholders’ consultative approach is accentuated in the development of needs-based university programs aimed at addressing societal challenges.