Ibanda University Partners with FAWE to Support Marginalised Students

Ibanda University in Ibanda District has partnered with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) to support marginalized students through the Higher Education Access Certificate (HEAC) programme.
This one-year initiative, sanctioned by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), provides a new opportunity for students who do not meet the standard university admission criteria.
The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony at the university’s boardroom on Wednesday.
Prof. James Samson Opolot, Vice Chancellor of Ibanda University, described the collaboration as a pivotal move to tackle educational inequities.
“This program will give academically capable students, who may have faced challenges beyond their control, a second chance to achieve their dreams of higher education,” Prof. Opolot stated.
The HEAC program aims to bridge learning gaps by equipping students with academic knowledge and life skills. Graduates of the program will qualify for admission into diploma or degree programs, opening doors that were previously closed to them.
FAWE’s Executive Director, Susan Opok Tumusiime, underscored the importance of providing such opportunities to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Our mission is to ensure that no student is left behind due to circumstances beyond their control. This partnership with Ibanda University is another step toward breaking barriers to education and empowering the next generation of leaders,” Tumusiime said.
FAWE has successfully implemented the HEAC program in other institutions across Uganda, targeting students from economically disadvantaged regions. The collaboration with Ibanda University is expected to expand these benefits to even more learners.
Dr. John Busingye, Chairperson of the Ibanda University Board, praised the initiative for its inclusivity.
“This partnership with FAWE is a game-changer. It ensures that students who would otherwise be excluded from the higher education system can now access university without the need to repeat Senior Six,” Dr. Busingye remarked.
Scheduled to begin in March 2025, the HEAC program will provide a structured environment for academic and personal growth. Both parties are currently finalizing preparations to ensure a smooth rollout.
“We are committed to making higher education more inclusive and accessible,” Prof. Opolot reiterated. “This partnership is proof of what we can achieve when institutions come together to prioritize education for all.”
The collaboration between Ibanda University and FAWE represents a significant milestone in Uganda’s education sector, offering a lifeline to students from marginalized communities and a step toward a more inclusive future.