Transforming university education through policies: A case of Makerere University (1990 - 2011)

Abstract

Focusing on the college system policy, fees payment policy, and staff remuneration and welfare policy, this study investigated Makerere University’s transformation efforts between the period 1990 – 2011 . Specifically, the study examined the effect of policies on University education, and the challenges the University has experienced in implementing these policies. The study was cross sectional in design and collected data from a total of 240 respondents including 200 students, 30 lecturers and 10 administrative staff in two colleges of Education and External Studies and Social Sciences and Humanities. Data was collected using a Self Administered Questionnaire with open ended and close ended questions and an Interview Guide. Qualitative data was coded and themes identified while quantitative methods were also used to quantify certain responses and for the generation of tables, frequencies and percentages for analysis and presentation. The study found that the policies had transformed education in Makerere University, through easing administrative efficiency, better accountability and information procedures and increase in enrolment of students to the University, though great challenges such as underfunding, lack of policy awareness and lack of stakeholder involvement in policy design still exist. The study concluded that the biggest challenges affecting implementation of the policies are; limited funding, financial mismanagement, students’ strikes, industrial action among staff and government interference. The study recommends extensive consultations by policy makers such as University council, senate, government and administrators on the policies intended to transform University education. This will ensure consensus and shall guarantee legitimacy of the policies, acceptance and in turn reduce resistance from stakeholders.