Breaking barriers in regional education

Higher Education and Research PS Beatrice Inyangala at the Bunge Towers, Nairobi. [File,Standard]

Beatrice Inyangala, the Principal Secretary of Higher Education, has called for the dismantling of barriers that impede student and staff mobility, emphasizing that education should be at the heart of regional development.

The PS called for harmonization education systems across the region is no longer a choice-it's a necessity for East Africa to remain competitive in the global economy.

"Education should be at the heart of regional development. Our institutions must be the leaders in shaping a borderless education sector, where the free movement of students, staff, and ideas will foster a truly united East Africa," said Dr Inyangala.

One of the most glaring issues discussed was the significant disparity in tuition fees across EAC partner states.

For many students, this financial divide is a major hurdle to accessing education. Inyangala lifted the lid on the injustice: students from one partner country often pay exorbitant fees when studying in another EAC country, sometimes even in foreign currencies.

"Access to education should not be impeded by financial barriers, particularly when it comes to tuition fees. It is unacceptable that students from one EAC Partner State face significantly higher fees than those from the host country, sometimes even paying in foreign currencies," she said.

The PS was speaking during the East African Community (EAC) Common Higher Education Area (EACHEA), education stakeholders meeting to address some of the region's most pressing challenges in higher education.

Dr Inyangala said this situation undermines the spirit of regional integration and limits the mobility of students who could otherwise contribute to a more connected East African community.

But beyond the financial barriers, there are other deep-rooted challenges. She shed light on the issue of academic fraud and the influx of substandard foreign education providers. Fake degrees and unregulated institutions are threatening the credibility of higher education in the region.

Inyangala warned that without strong quality assurance mechanisms, East African degrees could lose their value both locally and internationally.

Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, the Executive Secretary of IUCEA, acknowledged the strides made in the region, particularly the establishment of the East African Common Higher Education Area in 2017. However, he noted that much more needs to be done.

"The integration of academic communities and research institutions is crucial to the success of the broader EAC integration agenda," he said.

He also challenged universities to reflect on their role in promoting regional integration, particularly in fostering mobility, competitiveness, and the exchange of knowledge.

While the barriers are many, the opportunities are vast. The EAC Students Mobility and Scholarship Scheme (EAC-SMS) has already laid the groundwork for enhancing student and staff mobility.

Universities across the region are beginning to participate in scholarship programs that not only provide opportunities for students but also foster a more integrated academic community.

By offering scholarships, universities can ensure that talented students from all EAC partner states have access to quality education and exposure to different cultures and academic perspectives.

Another major component of the regional integration effort is research collaboration. Universities are urged to come together and pool their intellectual and financial resources to tackle common challenges faced by the region.

As education leaders called for stronger policies to support these efforts, the message was clear: universities must take proactive steps to ensure the success of regional integration.

Commission for University Education CEO Prof. Mike Kuria echoed these sentiments, urging universities to take practical steps to strengthen the EAC's higher education sector.