A female volleyball player at Ndejje University has lost her sports scholarship after the institution ruled she had failed to demonstrate “sufficient proof of excellence” at regional and international level.
In a letter dated 29th August 2025, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr Christopher Samuel Mayanja, informed Pearl Akankunda, a member of the women’s volleyball team, that her contract would not be renewed.
The letter explained that the scholarship was performance-based, pegged to excelling in national, regional, and international competitions. After a review by the committee, the university concluded that Akankunda had not met the required standard.
“Having no sufficient proof of excellence in your specific sports discipline especially at the regional and international level, Ndejje University resolved not to renew the contract,” the letter read.
While the university acknowledged her “efforts and commitment,” it stressed the need to allocate its limited resources to only top-performing athletes.
The letter, copied to the Dean of Students, added a spiritual note: “We pray that the Almighty God will take care of your financial needs and lead you to other means of realizing your academic goals.”
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among students, with some sympathising with Akankunda while others say the university is right to demand results-driven accountability for sports scholarships.
