Universal secondary education policy and students’ learning achievement in higher education Institutions: a case of Makerere University, Kampala

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of USE policy on students’ learning achievement in higher institutions of learning, a case of Makerere University, Kampala. Specifically, the study examined the effect of equitable access to secondary education, the effect of quality secondary education and the influence of efficiency in delivery of secondary education on learners’ achievement in higher education institutions. The study used a cross sectional survey design and investigated a sample size of 238 respondents. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were utilised. The findings revealed that equitable access in USE schools ((β = .125. Sig. < .000), quality in delivery in USE schools (β = .330. Sig. < .000) and efficiency in delivery of secondary education (β = .371. Sig. < .000) affect students’ learning achievement. It was concluded that equitable access in USE schools moderately affects students’ leaning achievement. While secondary schools which lacked adequate instructional materials to use in teaching negatively affects the learning achievement in Higher Education Institutions. It was also concluded that inadequate access to reading materials and laboratory equipment retard learners attainment in higher institutions of learning. The study recommends that Ministry of Education and Sports in conjunction with district education offices should provide more government bursaries to USE beneficiaries across the country. The study recommends that Ministry of Education and Sports should support USE schools with more furniture to improve students’ learning achievement. It is recommended that Government through Ministry of Education and Sports should distribute instructional materials and textbooks in USE schools in order to improve learners’ achievement. It is also recommended that Ministry of Education and Sports should procure more laboratory equipment to strengthen the learning of science subjects in USE schools for enhanced learning achievement in higher institutions of learning.