Effects of programme curriculum in Uganda on employment opportunities among university graduates

Abstract

The study was inspired by the overwhelming rates of lack of opportunities (unemployment especially) among the university graduates. The study analysed the effect of the programme curriculum employment opportunities among university graduates. Review of different opinions from scholars in relation to the study.Nkozi and Kayabwe was chosen as a case study as it occurred researcher that the above locations were facing the same of lack of opportunities of employment for graduates(unemployment).The research design was descriptive with qualitative aspects. Primary data was collected through I depth interviews and questionnaires .Secondary data was also widely used. The findings revealed that the Ugandan economy can only afford to absorb 20% of graduates from the university every year and the 80% are not catered for. It is realized that the lack of employment opportunities/unemployment among the educated (university graduates) was as a result of skills mismatch visa-vie the job market. The curriculum in higher institutions of learning does not relate to the job market realities thus graduates finding themselves unemployed. I realized that there was a relationship between programme curriculum and unemployment ie if the universities produce graduates addressing the job market demands the level of unemployment will reduce among graduates. In view of the findings of the study ,it is recommended that the various stake holders in the education sector both prior and post should address the issue of lack of opportunities (unemployment) by reviewing the programme curriculum at university to address skill mis matches ,impracticability and produce labour required by the dynamic job market.