Universities Question Unite Capacity to Take Over Teacher Education

By: Umaru Ssenyonjo

Universities have raised concerns about the ability of the Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education (UNITE) to sufficiently handle teacher training if the government proceeds with plans to transfer teacher education from universities to the institute.

The concerns follow government plans to shift teacher education from universities to UNITE, with officials arguing that the current university-based system lacks standardisation, as different institutions use varying approaches and curricula in training teachers.

However, Prof. Muhammad Mpezamihigo, Vice Chancellor of Equator University of Science and Technology, says UNITE may not have the capacity to absorb the growing number of students seeking teacher education.

Prof. Mpezamihigo says teacher education has recently attracted more students, partly because of improved remuneration for teachers, particularly those in science-related subjects.

He argues that transferring all teacher education to UNITE could put pressure on the institute and limit its ability to effectively train the numbers required by the country.

“When the salaries were also adjusted for science teachers, you would not imagine the traffic going into science education. So, you may get a scenario where UNITE alone will not have the capacity to absorb. Remember, for some years now, we have built a mass of students who have a big interest in science, because now they have an attraction for good salaries as science teachers..” — Prof. Muhammad Mpezamihigo

He says universities have invested in lecturers, facilities and other infrastructure necessary for teacher training and could continue contributing to the sector under a properly regulated system.

Prof. Mpezamihigo proposes that UNITE should instead take on a stronger regulatory and standard-setting role, ensuring that universities offering teacher education follow uniform standards and requirements.

“For example, why can’t this be a super university where all the institutions that are offering education, for example, could have placements in UNITE to go and look at the best labs, to go and benchmark? If we are doing school practice, then we go and also benchmark. So, we need collaboration rather than a separation of responsibility with regard to teacher training in our country.” — Prof. Muhammad Mpezamihigo

He also calls on the government to engage all stakeholders and develop a viable solution, rather than removing teacher education from universities, which have built decades of experience and expertise in the field.

The government’s proposed changes are only pending cabinet approval and are intended to address concerns about variations in teacher training and establish greater consistency in the preparation of teachers.

The debate comes at a time when Uganda continues to face demand for qualified teachers, particularly in science subjects, making the structure and capacity of teacher education institutions an important part of the country’s education planning.