The Board of Directors of the African
Development Bank (http://www.afdb.org), on November 21, approved the Uganda
Support to Higher Education, Science and Technology Project, a key Human
Development operation that will contribute to the economic and social
transformation of Uganda and the East African sub-region. In line with
Uganda's National Development Plan for 2011-2015, the project aims to turn
the country into a regionally competitive industrial economy by 2025 by
developing skills and investing in science and technology.
Uganda has seen higher education student enrolment rise sharply in the last
five years - a 13 per cent increase from 2010 to 2011 alone. However, this
has not been matched with skilled university professors, or the necessary
infrastructure. Funding of facilities with ICT equipment has been low and
has hampered student access to ICT. In addition, it is estimated that in
order for Uganda to meet its goals to become an economic competitive player
in the region, it needs to strengthen capacity in Science, Technology and
Innovation. Yet a mere 30 per cent of students are enrolled in science and
technology.
Through the AfDB's support, 35,000 more Ugandan students will be able to
enroll in Science, Technology and Innovation programs on campus and a
further 12,000 through virtual learning. The Bank loan is financing six
public universities and two degree-awarding institutions ensuring that ICT
equipment and networks are available to the eight targeted institutions.
This will enable Uganda to link up with other regional and international
centres of excellence, and ensure that graduates are suited for the job
market, locally and beyond.
The project was designed in line with the AfDB's Long Term Strategy and its
Human Capital Development Strategy, where human capital, inclusive growth
and reducing youth unemployment are prioritized. It is an example of the New
Model for Education in Africa (NEMA), being spearheaded by the AfDB, which
supports a higher usage of ICT in education.