{"id":3792,"date":"2025-03-05T16:54:25","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T13:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/Blog\/?p=3792"},"modified":"2025-03-05T16:54:29","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T13:54:29","slug":"nches-capacity-building-workshop-at-iuea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iuea.ac.ug\/blog\/nches-capacity-building-workshop-at-iuea\/","title":{"rendered":"NCHE\u2019s Capacity Building Workshop at IUEA Enhances Higher Education in Uganda"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The International University of East Africa (IUEA) hosted a landmark Capacity Building Workshop for Higher Education Institution Managers, once again taking center stage in transforming Uganda\u2019s education sector. Organized by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), this high-profile event aimed to align university curricula with Uganda\u2019s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)\u2014a shift designed to equip students with practical, job-ready skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 26, 2025, university leaders from across Uganda, including representatives from northern, eastern, and western regions, gathered at IUEA to discuss the future of higher education. This workshop wasn\u2019t just another academic event\u2014it was a defining moment in shaping a generation of graduates ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Competency-Based Curriculum, and Why Does It Matter?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

To understand why this workshop was so significant, let\u2019s first break down the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Unlike traditional models that focus primarily on theoretical knowledge, CBC emphasises what learners can do rather than just what they know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As UNESCO defines it<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA competency-based curriculum is a curriculum that emphasises what learners are expected to do rather than mainly focusing on what they are expected to know\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach aligns perfectly with IUEA\u2019s mission: \u201cTo provide a quality education that includes practical skills.\u201d<\/em> By integrating CBC into higher education, Uganda is ensuring that students graduate not just with degrees but with hands-on experience and industry-ready skills\u2014a crucial factor for success in today\u2019s competitive global workforce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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IUEA Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emeka Akaezuwa, reaffirms IUEA\u2019s commitment to providing a quality education that blends academic excellence with practical skills.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Role of NCHE vs. UNEB in Education<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

During the workshop, NCHE clarified its role in regulating higher education institutions, ensuring that universities meet rigorous standards for curriculum quality and accreditation. This contrasts with the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB)<\/a>, which oversees primary and secondary school education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most debated proposals at the event came from Rev. Dr. Cyrus Ssebugenyi, Head of Recognition and Equation of Qualifications at NCHE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy proposal is to drop the UCE requirement and require UACE with at least two principal passes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, university admissions consider both the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) and the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) results. However, Dr. Ssebugenyi suggested that NCHE should focus solely on UACE results, allowing UNEB to handle UCE assessments. If adopted, this change could streamline university admissions, reducing bureaucratic hurdles for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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NCHE should not work in contrast with UNEB because we all work for the same government
– Said Rev. Dr. Cyrus Ssebugenyi<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Rev. Dr. Cyrus Ssebugenyi emphasizes the need for stronger collaboration between the National Council for Higher Education and the Uganda National Examinations Board to streamline university admissions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Insights from the Capacity Building Workshop: What Makes a Successful Graduate?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Another key discussion point was the attributes of a successful graduate. These included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n