By Otafiire Henry
As the oldest, most respected and generally considered the most prestigious university in the region,Makerere is generally well-known – but not known well. That is, a number of popular myths and misconceptions have developed outside the realm of the Makerere community. Below are some of those myths, along with facts, which i hope will dispel any misconceptions.
MYTH: Muk is only for geniuses.
FACT : Muk admits hundreds of students with average academic achievements. The truly brilliant students are almost always admitted, but most classes are comprised of students who meet a combination of factors, including economic background, athletic ability,affirmative action and one’s status in society and the stakes one holds in the university.
MYTH: I can’t afford Makerere.
FACT: Because of Makerere’s unequaled and well-established reputation,Many people tend to think that the university charges alot of Money however,Muk happens to be the university with cheapest unit cost of education in uganda if not in Africa.I have seen many students who have made their way to the IVORYTOWER with ease.On agood day you can win abet and clear Dumba’s tuition.
MYTH: The pressure at Makerere must be terrific.
FACT: 98% of all students admitted to Makerere eventually graduate from Muk; flunking out is rare. students who can’t afford course load hire mercenaries to do course works and internship reports and for them.Plagiarism is condoned since alecturer supposed to check it has 1000 scripts to mark.Girls stand at aslightly higher advantage to graduate than boys simply because they can set cunning traps to unsuspecting lecturers and at the end of the day walk away with adegree.
MYTH: Makerere is full of “intellectual snobs.”
FACT: Makerere students and faculty generally have retreated in ablissful slumber and rarely pursue a scholarly approach to matters affecting our society. Reason,intellectual debates and discourse which used to feature and stimulate the academic environment are nolonger treasured.Free thinking is now ataboo. Makerere has “bookworms”…and as well students who spend most of their time in sports betting companies,at the beach and in massaging parlours. Public opinion has shifted from the campus and it is influenced by peddlers,taxi-touts and pick-pocketers in down town Kikuubo. It has students donned in grunge attire…as well as its share of preppies.
MYTH: Amakerere education is aconvenient one, with few classes taught by celebrated professors who have reached the pinacle of their chosen professions.
FACT: There are almost 3,000 courses at MUk, some large and most small and duplicated. The average size of a class at Muk is 300 to one lecturer. Some of the basic courses may have 400 to 500 students or more,Many undergraduate classes are taught by senior and junior lecturers Every one on the college faculty can teach undergraduate students especially those doing research. in such cases there is unlikely to be attenuation of quality. The professor who teaches the course is always unavailable presenting papers at international conferences and workshops;in such cases there is likely to be attenuation of quality. some have off-campus residences and all hold office which means there is always minimal contact.You will never have tutorials,study trips,expert talks and the guest lectures the rest of your stay at the campus.
MYTH: Makerere students have their lives all figured out.
FACT:Many students are always pondering what life after university will be.With biting economic conditions and unemployment,many graduates
find it hard to survive because the education system is completely disconnected with realities of the world.They are never given skills to become innovative and creative.
