News coming in from Makerere University indicates that the institution is in plans of subjecting new entrants to pre-entry examinations as it is done in all Law schools in Uganda. This has been based on the need to determine competence levels of students pursuing courses at Makerere.
It is reported that this idea was proposed by Heads of departments and colleges at Makerere University
While speaking to journalists, Dr. Vincent Ssembatya the Director for Quality Assurance at Makerere confirmed that they had received proposals from some colleges and departments.
“The university management has already received proposals from some schools, colleges, and departments which are still subject to discussion by the university council. Pre-entry exams are mooted basing on the fact that the university is challenged by the selection of students as the available slots are fewer compared to applicants,’’ Dr. Ssembatya said.
‘’UNEB’s assessment system is not updated and cannot be used as a basis on who should be admitted in several programmes. UNEB’s assessment doesn’t meet the specific competencies required by individual universities for specific programmes,’’ He added.
Dr William Tayebwa, the Head of the Department of Journalism and Communication said at his department they are interested in the pre-entry.
“The department receives many applications but we are able to admit only 10 percent. This affects many applicants since the existing system tends to favor best performers in the UNEB examinations who at times lack several basic aspects. Pre-entry exams could level the ground and give every applicant an opportunity and also ensure that all the admitted students have an interest in the programme they have applied for,’’ He noted.
Dr Tayebwa added that although pre-entry exams are not common in public universities in Uganda but it is practiced internationally by universities to guarantee that students admitted for the course fit for it.
Apart from the department of journalism and communication, other departments that support the proposal are College of Health Sciences and School of Engineering.
