EAC harmonised syllabus not realistic

  Dear Editor, I was filled with disappointment when The New Times recently highlighted that students from several East African universities had called for a harmonised education syllabus in the region.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Dear Editor,

I was filled with disappointment when The New Times recently highlighted that students from several East African universities had called for a harmonised education syllabus in the region.

These students expressed their views claiming that there should similar education syllabus in the East African Community (EAC) since the EAC is a five-in one bloc that attracts same job seekers and employers.

Inter University Council of East Africa (IUCEA) is currently working on how to have a single education curriculum for the region.

However, the issue is that the dream cannot be implemented overnight. Different lecturers of different universities in this community receive different training. In case this programme is haphazardly implemented, it may take the same syllabus will keep EAC stunted with the same old skills.

Tuition

Kenya and Uganda were recently quoted for having refused to reach an agreement with The East African Council of Ministers to stop charging exorbitant tuition fees on foreign students. Realism has to be applied in this case. Universities need money to meet administrative expenses.

I advise that students who cannot afford certain university due to the  high tuition fees charged to find alternatives or apply for students loans.