Quality Of Higher Education and Employability of Graduates from Selected Universities In Southwestern Uganda
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Date
2024
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
BISHOP STUART UNIVERSITY
Abstract
The study investigated the relationship between the quality of higher education and the
employability of graduates from selected universities in Southwestern Uganda. The research
focused on three main objectives: to determine the relationship between quality of curriculum
and employability of graduates from selected universities in Southwestern Uganda, the quality
of students enrolled in the University and employability, and the quality of teaching and
employability of graduates from selected Universities in southwestern Uganda. Using
correlational and survey research designs, data were collected through questionnaires and
interviews, and analyzed with SPSS version 27 and AMOS version 28 for Structural Equation
Modeling (SEM).
Findings revealed a strong correlation between quality of curriculum and employability of
graduates from selected Universities in Southwestern Uganda (r = .594, p < .01), quality of
students and employability of graduates in Southwestern Uganda (r = .589, p < .01), and
quality of teaching and employability of graduates from selected Universities in Southwestern
Uganda (r = .560, p < .01). The study concluded that modifications in the curriculum directly
impact graduate employability, with curriculum enhancements improving employability.
Curriculum content was identified as a significant predictor of employability, along with
improved teamwork and change management skills. The relevance of academic programs was
also crucial. Quality curriculum and academic grades were essential, while quality teaching
and assessment improved employability. However, teaching methods were less significant in
influencing employability.
The study found that 60.7% of graduate employability was explained by the variables in the
model: 35.2% by quality of curriculum, 17.7% by Quality of students , and 7.8% by quality of
teaching, with 39.3% influenced by other factors. Overall, a positive association exists
between the quality of higher education and employability of graduates from selected
universities in Southwestern Uganda.
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Recommendations included periodic curriculum reviews involving industries, employers, and
other stakeholders, a focus on students’ academic performance, conduct, and mentoring
programs, and increased investment in faculty development, infrastructure, and other teaching
and learning facilities.