NCHE threatens to close over 30 universities

NAMWANJE SALMAH     

The National Council for Higher Education has warned universities that have failed to apply for charters after the expiry of their provisional licenses that they will be closed.

Over 30 private universities are operating with provisional licenses but 26 of these have gone past the required  provisional three years of operation without a license. Their provisional licenses expired.

Yesterday the body met with stakeholders from private universities to engage them more on the matter.

Some of the universities which face closure are Isbat University, Ibanda University, UTAMU, Mutesa 1 Royal University and Nile University.

Many said they are working hard to put things in order and asked NCHE to give them more time.

Twenty six of the private universities that have been operating with provisional licenses expired and they have one year to apply for charters.

The meeting focused on reminding universities to submit their papers to get charters, since most of them have expired licenses.

"The purpose of today’s meeting is to agree on a roadmap to ensure that universities that hold provisional licenses attain charter status," said Dr Alex Mugisha, the executive director of NCHE.

The council said it will continue engaging higher education Institutions to provide support, guidance and mentorship.