University governance and the employability of graduates from public universities in Uganda.

Abstract

The study examined the influence of university governance on the employability of graduates from public universities in Uganda. This was in response to the complaints by employers that university graduates did not have adequate skills in tandem with the requirements of the workplace. The study employed a cross-sectional correlation design where both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to collect data. A sample of 219 respondents selected from university councils, senates, and academic staff of four public universities and selected employers (or their representatives) participated in the study. Data were analysed using appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics as well as content analysis method. Results from the study indicated that University-Government relationship was fair, accountability was poor though they both significantly influenced the employability of graduates from public universities in Uganda. However, institutional autonomy was found to be enjoyed by the public universities to a large extent, except that it did not significantly influence the employability of their graduates. From the findings, it was concluded that university governance has a significant influence on the employability of graduates from public universities in Uganda. The study therefore recommended that the Government of Uganda needs to: (i) define the term employability and give guidelines to universities on the relevant skills and competences university graduates should possess to contribute to the socio-economic development of the country; (ii) strengthen the already existing but weak universities-private sector forum; (iii) make internship for all students compulsory and fund it, while the universities on their part, need to strengthen their accountability systems to all relevant stakeholders.