Universities urged to increase enrolment numbers

The Observer 13 June 2015

Ten years ago, the then Makerere University chancellor, Professor Apolo Nsibambi, urged universities in East Africa to prepare for the increasing demand for higher education. He has not veered from that position, but his advice has not been embraced by other institutions, writes Moses Talemwa for The Observer.

A recent report by the Turkey-based World Bulletin cites statistics published by Professor Mayunga Nkunya, executive secretary for the Inter-University Council for East Africa, who says there are 720,000 students in East Africa's 178 universities. According to this study, only 4.2% of youths in the 18-25 age bracket have access to university education, while 6.4% are enrolled in non-university tertiary training institutions.

"These enrolment rates are not only the lowest in Africa, but [the lowest] in the world," said Nkunya. "Education [officials] and stakeholders, as well as policy-makers, must address this crisis."
Full report on the All Africa site

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

Sponsored Article

Getting to net zero, one community at a time

University of Victoria staff

Accelerating Community Energy Transformation is a University of Victoria-led collaborative initiative that brings together over 40 partners, including Indigenous knowledge keepers and community leaders, to create innovative place-based solutions for energy system transformation.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Africa pays a premium for global climate change sluggishness

Stellenbosch University staff

Africa needs to stop paying the price for the rest of the world’s recalcitrance to act fast enough in response to the irrefutable conclusions that climate change is real and that the impact of global warming could be devasting, says Professor Guy Midgley, interim director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Promoted by the University of Victoria.

Sponsored Article

Innovations to ensure energy savings in a hot, arid climate

UAE University staff

Researchers from the United Arab Emirates University have shown that the potential benefits of building energy savings and a cooler indoor environment, as well as improved cooling effect on air temperature at pedestrian level, strongly indicate that a cool roof with high solar reflectance and albedo is a promising strategy for buildings in regions with hot, arid climates.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.

Sponsored Article

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

Sponsored Article

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.