Quality assurance practices that enhance employability of students from public universities in Uganda

Abstract

An investigation was conducted on Quality Assurance Practices (QAPs) that enhance employability of students from public universities in Uganda. Kyambogo University was a case institution. Employability of students was investigated with emphasis on Curriculum Review, Industrial Training, and Career Services as Quality Assurance Practices that inform quality assurance structures in developing professional and lifelong learning. The objectives of this study were to: evaluate students’ and employers’ perceptions of employability; determine the relationship between curriculum review and employability of students; examine the relationship between industrial training and employability of students; and to analyse the relationship between career services and employability of students. The study used explanatory mixed methodology. Quantitative data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Quantitatively, the study established that: there was a significant difference in the perception of employability between employers and students; while curriculum review, industrial training and career services had a strong positive statistically significant correlation with employability of students. Qualitatively, the study established that: employers expect students to have theoretical knowledge and competences from their degrees but also require them to demonstrate a range of broader personal and interpersonal skills. The following recommendations that could help to improve employability of students were made: A collaborative curriculum review should be emphasized by engaging key stakeholders of university education to promote relevance and lifelong learning. Universities should collaborate and develop partnerships with industry to resolve the problems of industrial placements for students and career services provision. Also, the Government of Uganda should develop a well-structured legal framework that will enable all key stakeholders of university education to work in collaborative partnerships to deliver high quality education in terms of training and research for sustainable economic and social development.