By Jumah Kakomo
Ndejje University has termed Uganda Higher Education Students’ Financing Board HESFB as unfair initiative asserting that its system blocks many students from benefit from it.
The revelation was made by the University deputy academic registrar Fredrick Mbabaali Kyazze during the second day of the 13th blended higher education institutions exhibition at Lugogo UMA show grounds Kampala.
Mbabaali says despite HESFB being a good initiative for the government to sponsor poor students offering science at higher education institutions and has helped to boost education sector in the country but it should also consider and give the same those also offering Arts courses given the social economic development of the country.
“It’s a good idea but should be also extended to students offering Arts courses to reduce on youth unemployment in the country,” Mbabaali added.
Mbabaali has also urged government to increase on research funding and innovation to order to ably compete on the international market.
In the same vein, the executive director National council for higher education professor Mary Okwakol noted that covid 19 greatly affected education sector which forced them to focus on “E-learning system”, but unfortunately the charges of internet are high.
She thus urged government to intervene to enable all students acquire internet at affordable costs.
HESFB Key Highlights
HESFB is a fund intended to provide financing to Ugandan students who have qualified for higher education in recognized institutions of higher learning but are unable to support themselves financially.
HESFB Vision
Access to higher education for all Ugandans.
Mission
To provide student loans to eligible citizens of Uganda to enable them access higher education at affordable rates and increase equitable access to higher education in the country.
HESFB Eligibility Criteria
The Scheme is for Ugandan students seeking to pursue higher education in an accredited institutions of higher learning recognized by the National Council for Higher Education and also pursuing an accredited programme.
ABOUT NDEJJE UNIVERSITY
Established in 1992, Ndejje University (NDU) is the oldest private university and the fastest growing in Uganda. In 1995 the University gained its status under the ownership of the Anglican Diocese of Luweero. Later in 2002, the ownership base was expanded to include all six Church of Uganda Dioceses in Buganda Region in what became known as “Ndejje University Foundation Consortium.” The Consortium is registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee, not having share capital. It is responsible for appointing the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, and Chairperson of the Council including members of the University Council.
In 2009 the University was chartered by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) of Uganda meaning that all certificates awarded at the University where nationally and internationally recognized. Also, all courses offered in the university were accredited by the same body. The University further subscribes to the Inter University Council for East Africa and Association of African universities.
