The State of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) related programmes in public Universities in Uganda: application of systems theory

Abstract

Knowledge on the state of technical vocational education and training (TVET) related programmes in universities is important in guiding university managers and policy makers in effectively steering the programmes. However, in Uganda there is scanty literature on TVET and no literature gives a comprehensive account of TVET related programmes in universities, yet the scope of the existing policy is both silent and excludes TVET related programmes in universities. Such a scenario renders policy makers and managers of public universities vulnerable to making uninformed policies and decisions in regard to the TVET related programmes. In this study, I examined TVET related programmes in public universities based on systems theory (i.e., inputs, transformation mechanisms, outputs and the environment). I employed a qualitative research approach and a case study design. I purposively selected TVET related programme coordinators and students as sources of data. I employed thematic analysis based on the framework method of qualitative data analysis by Gale et al. (2013) to analyse the data. The study findings revealed that; universities had few senior lecturers and professors; students chose to study TVET related programmes due to the promise of employment; universities had insufficient educational facilities for the teaching of TVET related programmes; government grants to universities were inadequate and were affected by budget cuts and delays; there was no specific policy on TVET related programmes in universities. Key recommendations included; the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) should put in place a policy to guide the provision of TVET related programmes in universities; MoES should strengthen career guidance on TVET related programmes in high schools. University managements should recruit senior lecturers and professors in faculties holding TVET related programmes. Government should revise the grants to the universities offering TVET related programmes.