On 17th October, 2024, Valley University of Science and Technology (VUST) took a significant step towards expanding educational opportunities by entering discussions with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to introduce the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) program. The program, which is gazetted by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), is a unique, one-year intervention designed to provide an alternative pathway for students who did not attain the requisite scores to join University.
In a meeting held in the University boardroom, VUST’s leadership, led by Vice Chancellor Dr. Enos Rwasheema, welcomed the FAWE delegation, headed by Mr. Ken Rogers Mutebi, FAWE’s Coordinator. The two parties discussed the HEAC program, which aims to bridge learning gaps for students who may have missed out on University admission due to poor performance which may be a result of factors beyond their control.
The Higher Education Access Certificate is designed to offer students a second chance. It equips them with the academic knowledge and soft skills necessary to pursue degree or diploma programs upon completion. FAWE has already successfully implemented the program in partnership with 11 universities across Uganda, and with VUST’s impending involvement, it will soon become the 12th institution to offer this life-changing opportunity.
During the meeting, Mr. Mutebi debunked the misconception that students who fail to obtain two principal passes in their A-level exams are academically weak. He pointed out that many factors, such as family economic conditions or inadequate school facilities, contribute to low academic performance. The HEAC program, he explained, addresses these issues by providing a bridge for these students to transition into higher education. The program is structured to include 70-75% of A-level academic content and 25-30% soft skills enhancement, giving students a well-rounded education and preparing them for future success.
During the meeting, Dr. Michael Robson Atim and Dr. Sudi Balimuttajo, technical members from FAWE, who developed the program brought their vast expertise and insights to the discussions. They expressed optimism that the partnership with VUST would create new opportunities for students to access higher education in Uganda. Dr. Atim, a key figure in the implementation of educational access programs, emphasized the transformative impact the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) can have on students who face academic and socio-economic barriers. He praised VUST’s readiness to adopt the program, highlighting the University’s strong infrastructure and commitment to inclusive education.
Dr. Enos Rwasheema, VUST’s Vice Chancellor, expressed his gratitude to FAWE for their innovative approach to supporting students who would otherwise be left out of the higher education system. “We thank FAWE for thinking about these students and for being open to partnering with VUST. Our University has the necessary infrastructure, qualified staff, and commitment to ensuring that every student has access to quality education,” he stated.
The partnership between VUST and FAWE promises to be a game-changer for many students in Uganda, offering a fresh opportunity to access University education without the need to repeat Senior Six.
Both parties are now in the process of finalizing the partnership paperwork, with the program expected to roll out in March 2025. Once operational, the Higher Education Access Certificate will offer a structured learning environment that enhances both academic proficiency and essential life skills, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of higher education.
The introduction of the HEAC program will further cement VUST’s commitment to empowering students from diverse backgrounds and promoting equity in access to education. As the 12th university to implement this transformative program, VUST will contribute to shaping the futures of many young Ugandans who may have thought their dreams of higher education were out of reach.
