**6. Organization of ODL at Makerere University**

As has already been detailed, Makerere University is a dual mode University (Aguti & Fraser, 2006; Muyinda *et al*., 2009). The DODL is mandated to manage all External programmes in the University. The Vision and Mission of the Department is, to offer a variety of relevant educational programmes of adults using a flexible approach that fully enhances access to open and lifelong education, particularly to those who would be unable to attend higher level education on fulltime basis. The Department runs open and distance learning programme on a collaborative arrangement with other units within the University offering similar programmes in the internal mode. In Makerere University, these partner units are commonly referred to as Collaborating Units.

As has already been pointed out, four distance learning programmes are on offer, namely: - B.Cox, B.Ed, BSc. and CYP. The B.Cox programme is offered in collaboration with the College of Business and Management Sciences. The BSc. programme is offered in collaboration with the College of Natural Sciences. The B.Ed programme is offered in

Open and Distance Learning in Dual Mode Universities: A Treasure Unexploited 39

handles a multitude of unique pedagogic and administrative tasks. The tasks are vital as their non-execution leads to pseudo ODL programmes hence inability to harness the treasures and potentials therein. Dual mode universities are grappling with the problem of ensuring double standards, that is, permitting flexibility needed in ODeL programmes while at the same time maintaining the standards required in on-campus programmes. The end result has been following on-campus based standards, which in most cases suffocate the

In the *Tables 1* to *4* below admission quotas allocated to different distance learning programmes per year of study and those that were actually admitted and registered are given with a view of determining the demand for and attrition on ODL programmes at

Yr 1 (2010/2011) 1,200 1,031 755 27 86 Yr 2 (2009/2010) 600 591 416 30 99 Yr 3 (2008/2009) 600 657 436 34 110 Yr 4 (2007/2008) 600 669 494 26 112 **Total B. Com 2,101 Avg = 29 Avg = 101** 

As at 31st December, 2010, the average attrition rate on the B.Cox programme was 29%. As is expected, attrition rate increased from Year 1 to Year 3 cohorts but declined in Year 4. The decline in attrition rate in Year 4 is attributed to the blanked amnesty given by the Academic Registrar to all students from 2004/05 academic year and below who had not completed their studies to come back and complete them before 31st December, 2010 (Makerere University, 2010b). This good gesture from the Academic Registrar, cements the need for flexibility in administering ODL programmes. Flexibility in the running of ODL

*Table 1* further shows that the B.Cox programme is on high demand. On average, there was a demand of 101% of the allotted number of places. This implies that the number of students admitted on the B.Cox programme, in some academic years, exceeded the number of vacancies allotted to the programme. This vote of confidence demonstrates the high quality of the B.Cox programme. It calls for strengthening of the existing student support services on the programme. This also shows that the programme is well popularized in Uganda and beyond as it even attracts foreign students. This impressive picture is not replicated on the

As at 31st December 2010, the average attrition rates for the B.Ed programme was 43%. The attrition rate for Year 1 and 2 remained constant at 41% and increased to 47% in Year 3. This

**Admitted Registered**

**As of 31st December** 

**2010** 

**Attrition (%age)**  **Demand (%age)** 

flexibility needed in ODL programmes.

Makerere University.

**Year/Cohort Allocated** 

*Source: Academic Registrar's Office* 

programmes increases throughput.

B.Ed programme as is shown in *Table 2* below.

**7. Demand for and attrition on ODL programmes** 

**Admission Quota**

Table 1. Enrollment on the Four Year B.Cox Programme.

collaboration with the School of Education. The CYP programme is offered in collaboration with the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The DODL formerly known as the Department of Distance Education (DDE) is responsible for organizing, coordinating, managing and supervising all ODL programmes in the entire University. The DODL is under the School of Distance and Lifelong Learning (SoDLL) which is in the College of Education and External Studies (CEES). Specifically, the DODL is responsible for;


The Collaborating Units are responsible for;


The roles identified above show that a unit responsible for managing, coordinating and supervising ODL programmes has unique duties that require a unique mandate. Such a unit handles a multitude of unique pedagogic and administrative tasks. The tasks are vital as their non-execution leads to pseudo ODL programmes hence inability to harness the treasures and potentials therein. Dual mode universities are grappling with the problem of ensuring double standards, that is, permitting flexibility needed in ODeL programmes while at the same time maintaining the standards required in on-campus programmes. The end result has been following on-campus based standards, which in most cases suffocate the flexibility needed in ODL programmes.
