Kampala, Uganda: Prof. Dr. K. M. Mathew the Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University said that ever since National Council for Higher education (NCHE) introduced Open Distance e-learning (ODel) system, they converted their lectures and video notes into Enterprise resource planning, ERP system to suit the demand of the initiative.
Prof. Mathew made these remarks in line with this year’s National Council for Higher education (NCHE) 13th Blended Higher Education Institutions Exhibition theme; (Enhancement of teaching, Learning and Assessment with Open Distance e-learning, (ODel) in Higher Education).
(R-L)Prof. Dr. K. M. Mathew the Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University matches with Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa the Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament during his inspection of stalls at the 13th Blended Higher Education Institutions Exhibition, 2022 yesterday at UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Important to note.
National Council for Higher education (NCHE) introduced Open Distance e-learning (ODel) system in the times of Covid-19 as a substitute of physical learning which was not possible at the time due to restriction on movement and physical attendance.
ISBAT is the first University to be given permission by National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to roll out (ODel) program and one of those that first examined online.
ISBAT University is Chartered that entitles it to offer PhD Programs and at the moment, it has submitted some programs awaiting National Council for Higher Education’s accreditation.
He said the EPR system was made available to all their students at all time across the country and that they still maintain it.
He said that this was possible because of University’s inclusiveness and academic progression irrespective of where students hail.
He revealed that in a bid to curb the challenge of access to internet, the University provided free data to all their students throughout lockdown period that learning remained uninterrupted.
“Our online education system was benchmarked by various universities and organizations in Kampala and other parts of Uganda. Our technology was developed in the best way that our examination system was one of the best in the country”. Prof. Mathew stated.
“Artificial Intelligence was used to recognize the face of a student and to continue with proper sanctity of the examination system. Unlike other higher institutions of learning we were able to have continued education and graduated our students in real time”. He added.
On the other hand, Prof. Mathew revealed that ISBAT University’s curriculum is designed in line with market demands in order for them to produce more of job makers than seekers.
“We always conduct market research then update our curriculum in line with job market requirements. We have also incorporated technology in our curriculum such that our products have a verge to be relevant in the 4th industrial revolution”. He remarked.
He added that they have introduced the cyber security laboratory, and e-library at the University for students to access self-learning wherever they are without necessarily going physically to University premises hence ensuring best products of the 21st Century.
On Higher Education National Research Fund, Prof. Mathew sought if Government would increase its budget as well include Private Universities like ISBAT as this would enable massive inventions and innovation in the country.
“Research is required for the development of the nation and academicians citing deficiency of PhD people in the country as our aim is, producing more qualified researchers”. He cited.
He cited that ISBAT is running an exchange program with some Universities in Spain and believed that if they also got research funding from the government, the initiative would flourish.
He informed that in line with Open Distance e-learning initiative, they offer Bachelor’s of Science in Cyber Security and their students undergo train from different security organizations like with Police, Military, UN and other organizations for short course which ensures cyber security.
About ISBAT University was established as a tertiary institution in 2006, moved to a degree-awarding Institution then finally transformed into a fully-fledged University in January, 2016.
Now chartered, the University is allowed to offer Masters and Degree Programs.
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa the Deputy Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament signs in a visitor’s book at ISBAT University stall during his inspection at 13th Blended Higher Education Institutions Exhibition, 2022 yesterday at UMA Show Grounds, Lugogo as Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. K. M. Mathew and other officials look on .Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa is being lectured by Prof. Dr. K. M. Mathew on what signs ISBAT University is exhibiting at the 13th Blended Higher Education Institutions Exhibition, 2022. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Prof. Dr. K. M. Mathew emphasizes some issues to Rt. Hon. Tayebwa regarding what ISBAT University is exhibiting at the 13th Blended Higher Education Institutions Exhibition, 2022. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa receives a present from Prof. Dr. K. M. Mathew the Vice Chancellor of ISBAT University at the 13th Blended Higher Education Institutions Exhibition, 2022. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Senior lecturer at ISBAT University explains some issues to Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and his delegation as Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. K.M. Mathew looks on. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.