Grapevine

Degree policy forces more teachers into early retirement

A government policy requiring all teachers to have a degree as a minimum academic qualification is forcing more teachers in Busoga sub-region into early retirement, this publication has learnt.

In 2019, the government introduced a transformative teacher policy which among other things, phased out lower qualifications for teachers. According to this policy, all teachers including those at nursery and primary levels, are mandated to hold a Bachelor's degree.

As per the policy, teachers were given a 10-year ultimatum to elevate their qualifications to the required minimum standard or else leave the profession.

However, Covid-19, and delays in enacting the requisite legislation and the establishment of vital institutions like the Teacher Council and the Uganda National Institute of Teacher Education, among other disruptions, have affected its execution.

The Senior Education Officer in charge of pre-primary in the Department of Teachers’ Education Training and Development in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Ms Sharon Kirabo, said they have recently noted that many teachers are applying for early retirement for fear of being sacked due to lack of a degree.