Dr. Jane Egua, the Commissioner for Teacher Training and Education, says that low enrollment is affecting the operations of the colleges, which in turn affects the quality output.
L-R; Dr. Annie Begumisa, the Academic Registrar Kyambogo University, Prof Eli Katunguka, the Vice Chancellor Kyambogo University, Mrs Museveni, Dr. Egau and Dr. Byakutaga pose with teacher trainees
Ministry of Education and Sports has announced
plans to close all Primary Teacher’s Colleges-PTCs with poor enrollment.
Education Minister, Janet Kataha Museveni,
says PTCs with less 100 students will not be allowed to operate.
She explained that such colleges are struggling
to meet their obligations such as paying tutors, buy scholastic materials and
construct buildings, which affects learning.
//Cue in; “Most private institutions…
Cue out…at least.”//
She was speaking during the release of the 2018 Grade III Teacher's Certificate Examinations in the Prime
Minister’s Conference hall. Records from the Directorate of Education Standards
show that more than 20 PTCs have less than 50 students.
There are 58 PTCs across the country, 46 of
them government funded. Dr. Beatrice Byakutaga, the chairperson PTC
Principal Association of Uganda, says a number of colleges don’t meet the
minimum standards.
//Cue in; “That is a…
Cue out…their performance.”//
The ministry is yet to release the list of the PTCs facing
closure. However, some ministry officials told URN that the privately owned
PTCs will be most affected.
Dr. Jane Egua, the Commissioner for Teacher
Training and Education, says that low enrollment is affecting the operations of
the colleges, which in turn affects the quality output.
//Cue in; “There are institutions…
Cue out…the teachers.”//
According to Dr. Egau, all PTCs are expected to
adhere to the minimum standards by mid this year or else risk closure.
The PTCs
are expected to put in place the required infrastructure, hire adequate number
of tutors and recruit more students.
Pamela Mawanda
Freelancer