The Ministry of Education and Sports has commended African Rural University (ARU) for its leadership in Competence Based Education and Training (CBET) and for preserving African Indigenous Knowledge, adding that other universities should benchmark ARU in this area.

The commendation was made today Friday during a working visit to ARU by Dr. Eric Gitta and Mr. Ochira John Pakony from The Ministry of Education and Sports

The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mwalimu Musheshe, Senior Ashoka Fellow, received the delegation and briefed them on ARU’s background and its unique visionary approach in higher education . He noted that ARU has implemented CBET since its inception through a unique model that blends theory and practice. ARU was also recognized as the first university in Uganda to draft a CBET policy.

Addressing staff , Dr. Eric Gitta said ARU’s model aligns with the future of higher education in Uganda:

_“By 2027 there will be a directive on the kind of knowledge to be imparted to students. Higher education has to adopt a new model of learning. Here at ARU, you are far ahead.”_

He added that Competence Based Education will begin to take shape in Uganda with the 2027 directive, and ARU is already setting the pace.

The MoES officials also commended ARU’s work with women and rural communities as a key contribution to national development.

On African Indigenous Knowledge, Dr. Gitta noted
“The African Union is trying to bring back African Indigenous Knowledge. It is the mandate of Africans to protect and preserve its culture with institutions having a great role to play.”