Pic: The International Open University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Makie Taal, together with the IOU Uganda Representative, Mr. Abdala Bogere, held a two-hour engagement meeting with current Ugandan students, alumni, and prospective students.

Key Issues Raised by Students

• Challenges accessing student login credentials.
• Requests for tuition fee transfers for students who paid but failed to enroll due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness.
• Prospective students expressed concern over being required to submit both O-Level and A-Level results, noting that NCHE standards permit admission using UCE for certificate programs and one principal pass for diploma programs.
• Former students requested an opportunity to resume their studies, expressing concern that curriculum changes may require them to repeat coursework.

Responses and Updates from the Vice Chancellor

• IOU has enhanced its curriculum by introducing four compulsory components across programs:
• Entrepreneurship
• Internship
• ⁠Research
• Community Service
• The Uganda Country Representative was tasked with signing MoUs with institutions to secure internship placements for students.
• Students who had previously dropped out will be re-evaluated and considered to enable them to continue and complete their studies without.
• The VC announced the introduction of new academic programs, including PhDs in Education and Islamic Studies, as well as new Bachelor’s and Masters programs.
• New specializations have been introduced for BEd currently offered only in Gambia but might be available outside in the near future.

Way Forward

• The VC encouraged students and alumni to support the growth of IOU in Uganda by participating in the student recruitment program, through which they can also earn incentives.
• He reaffirmed the university's commitment to pursuing full recognition of IOU qualifications in Uganda.