Makerere University is one of the oldest and most prestigious English Universities in Africa which has existed for a century.
Onwards, campus Bee will be sharing the history of Makerere University as it celebrates 100 years of existence.
In late 1921, the British colonial government in Uganda proposed to build a small vocational school to offer vocational skills to Ugandans. This proposal was successful which resulted into the establishment of East Africa’s university.
In January 1922, a humble technical school was established which was later renamed Uganda Technical College, opened its doors to 14 day students who began studying Carpentry, Building and Mechanics of which seven enrolled in carpentry, and seven enrolled in auto mechanics.
By 1925 there were seventy-six students enrolled in Makerere to receive vocational training. In 1935, the college had expanded to become a Center for Higher Education in East Africa in several courses such as veterinary sciences, Agriculture and Teacher Training.
Due to its promising results, Sir Philip Mitchell a British Governor proposed transformation of Makerere College to become the center for higher education in British East Africa (Kenya, Tanganyika, and Uganda).
In 1937 Makerere began to offer post-high school certificates under the affiliation of University of London. Finally in 1949 the University of London affiliated with Makerere.
In 1963 courses taken at Makerere could count towards a degree at the University of London and its students were listed as graduates of the British institution.
However, the special relationship with the University of London came to a close in 1963 and degrees of the University of East Africa were instituted.
On July 1st 1970, Makerere became the independent university of the Republic of Uganda, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses under its own degree programs.
Today, Makerere University has a student’s population of more than 35000 with 20% of them being postgraduate students from Uganda, East Africa and other countries.
Makerere University remains active in research and solving community’s needs. What a journey of Makerere University!
Wait for another episode about Makerere University’s 100 years of existence.
