Ministry of Education and Sports has announced plans to close all Primary Teacher’s Colleges (PTCs) with poor enrollment. Education Minister, Janet Kataha Museveni, says PTCs with less 100 students will not be allowed to operate. She explained that such colleges are struggling to meet their obligations such as paying tutors, buy scholastic materials and construct buildings, which affects learning.
While officiating at the release of the 2018 Grade III Teacher’s Certificate Examinations in the Prime Minister’s Conference hall, the Minister revealed that records from the Directorate of Education Standards show that more than 20 PTCs have less than 50 students. There are 58 PTCs across the country, 46 of them government funded and 12 are private-owned. Dr. Beatrice Byakutaga, the chairperson PTC Principal Association of Uganda, admitted that a number of colleges don’t meet the minimum standards. The ministry is yet to release the list of the PTCs facing closure. However, some ministry officials disclosed that the privately-owned PTCs will be the most affected.
Dr. Jane Egua, the Commissioner for Teacher Training and Education, says that low enrollment is affecting the operations of the colleges, which in turn affects the quality output. According to Dr. Egau, all PTCs are expected to adhere to the minimum standards by mid this year or else risk closure. The PTCs are expected to put in place the required infrastructure, hire adequate number of tutors and enroll more students. For comments, call or text us on 0752510225.
