By KT Reporter
The Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, Professor George Openjuru Ladar, has expressed concern about the low student enrollment at the university’s Kitgum Campus.
Despite offering a variety of academic programs, the campus has struggled to attract students, with many choosing to study at the main campus in Gulu City.
Speaking at the celebration marking 50 years of Gulio Pastore Nursery Primary School, a Catholic-funded school in Kitgum Municipality on Thursday, he said that they have made significant investments in infrastructure and human resources, and offer a range of programs that are relevant to the community’s needs, but they are struggling to attract students.
Currently, the Kitgum Campus hosts less than 150 students enrolled in various programs, including Bachelor of Arts in Education (Primary and Secondary), Bachelor of Public Administration, and Bachelor of Business Administration.
Professor Ladar noted that it is difficult to determine why both lecturers and students have reservations about the Kitgum Campus, but it may stem from the perception that the main campus in Gulu City is more prestigious.
To address the low enrollment issue, Professor Ladar announced plans to introduce new programs at the Kitgum Campus tailored to meet the community’s specific needs. He hopes this strategy will make the campus more appealing to prospective students. “We are planning to add more programs to the Kitgum Campus next year,” Professor Ladar said. “Additionally, we will introduce strict measures to ensure that once a student is admitted here, they must complete their studies at this campus rather than transferring to the main campus.
The Gulu University Kitgum Campus was established in 2014 at the former Kitgum District Farm Institute along the Gulu-Kitgum Highway in Pandwong Division, Kitgum Municipality.
It was intended to provide access to higher education for students from Kitgum and neighbouring districts, as well as to promote economic development and social transformation in the area.-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
