Victoria University has finally been granted a charter, a major milestone for an institution that is not more than 10 years old .
The National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) confirmed the development in a letter dated August 16, 2022, addressed to the vice chancellor of Victoria University.
"H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda signed the Charter for Victoria University on 31st July 2022. On behalf of National Council for Higher Education and on my own behalf, I congratulate Victoria University upon this achievement," NCHE executive director Prof. Mary Okwakol PhD said in the letter.
This website understands that NCHE granted Victoria University a charter earlier this year, but it could not take effect until gazettement and final approval by the President.
The NCHE stated in their letter that the charter will now be handed over to the administration of Victoria University on Friday, August 19, 2022, in a ceremony that will begin at 11:00am at the NCHE secretariat.
Dr. Lawrence Muganga, Vice Chancellor of Victoria University, stated in response to the news that anyone who has ever wanted to pursue "meaning education" is now welcome to their Jinja Road campus, as they are now a fully chartered university.
“Finally Victoria University CHARTER is here. If you have loved to pursue meaningful education, feel free to come to Victoria University. In a special way, I thank HE President Kaguta Museveni, Minister & First Lady Janet Museveni and the NCHE,” Muganga said.
A Charter is issued to recognise a university.
According to the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act, a charter is "granted by the president as evidence that the university meets the requirements and standards of academic excellence set by the NCHE."
Furthermore, according to Section 103(a) of the same Act 2001 as amended, a chartered university is a university comparable to a public university.
Obtaining a charter for any private university means that it lays out guidelines for the institution's establishment, control, management, and administration.
