NCHE revokes license from Busoga University, nullifies more than 1000 degrees

There is panic among students at Busoga University following the withdrawal of its operational license. In December 2016, the National Council for Higher Education-NCHE revoked the provisional license of Busoga University, which has been operation since 1998 on a number of grounds.

NCHE accused the University of Awarding Fake Degrees, which prompted it to cancel more than 1000 degrees awarded to students, recruiting unqualified academic staff and accumulated debts among others contrary to the Universities and Other Tertiary Intuitions Act.

When news spread of the withdrawal of the license, the university dismissed it, saying it had not received any communication from NHCE to the effect. However, on Monday this week Busoga University petitioned the constitutional court challenging the move by NCHE.

In the application, the Vice Chancellor Busoga University, Prof. David Lameck Kibiyo, says they were not accorded an opportunity to defend themselves on the allegations levels against the institution. He also wants court to lift the ban on admitting more students imposed on it by NCHE, saying it violates its right to carry out lawful trade and compete in business. URN spoke to URN spoke to continuing students on the developments. John Kakaire, a bachelor of Education students, says schools have turned down his application for teaching practice arguing that the university isn't recognised.

Imelda Nabirye, a second year law student is worried about her future. She advises the university administration to abide by the NCHE requirements.

Musa Abubaker, an international student from Nigeria says that the university administration isn't focused. He accuses the university administration of ignoring students and failure to install student representatives.

Dr. Frank Nabwiso, the former vice chancellor Busoga University supports the decision of NCHE, saying management has messed up the university. He says the vice chancellor; Lamek Kibikyo is a poor administrator.

Nabwiso says the decision by the administration to lay off 140 workers in January 2016 for alleged lack of the requisite academic qualifications was a big blow to the image of the institution.

Prof. David Lameck Kibiyo, the vice Chancellor Busoga University has dismissed all the allegations leveled against him and his team, saying they are baseless and aimed at frustrating his plans to improve the university.

He says that whatever is happening at the university is being done with intentions to fight the institution. Busoga University was founded in 1995 by Rt. Rev. Dr. Cyprian Bamwoze, the retired Bishop of Busoga Diocese.

-URN