As the debate about the West Nile University is going, I have a couple of
things to say - a question and thought. The question - and excuse me for my
ignorance: "at what point are we in the process of starting the university:
brain-storming/consultation ?"
Second, coming back to Mr. Aliti's view on location, I would like to share my
concern about it. If I got him well, he seems to say that a more preferable
location of the university be in an already established centre - with
sufficient amenities, etc.
One thing we should keep in mind is that, universities are normally
self-sufficient entities; except the sub-standard ones. If ever the government
wants to give something which its citizens deserve, it should be optimum. Over
the years, we in West Nile have celebrated sub-standard services and most of
our structures are sub-standard: the roads, schools, water services,
electricity, etc. May be we have low expectations and thus do not demand
according to what we deserve. But i think that keeps us low.... .
Second, it is an advantage to take such institutions in a more rural areas -
ofcourse not to the end of the world. In some countries, the strategy to
develop rural areas is linked to establishemnt of universities, namely a
miniumum of 200 acres of land is required. This means you can find this only in
rural areas. And since university needs all those amenities Mr. Aliti is
worried about, it will become urgent for the governement to provide. Anyway,
Aliti's view sound conservative to me. Personally, I would go for a more
progressive approach to the plan, including location of the university. May be
we throw the challenge to those who do long-term planning... Those who plan
cities, for instance, normally foresee where population has higher probability
of growth... in ten years or so. That can be projected because of some foreseen
factors. My view then is that for our local activities, we should avoid the
mistake of the central governemnt that has made Kampala the only centre of
activities.... we have adumi, we have Uleppi, we have Koboko,... if the service
intended is good, it will attrack!
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:35:15 -0700
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: [WestNileNet] UWN and Where should it be Located
Hi Ma dear colleagues,
I would like to contribute on the issue of location of U -OWN. (University of
West Nile). I wish to thank Maandera and sunday for their brilliant
contributions on this topic.
Many important and sometimes unique factors have to be considered when
deciding on location of a university. Students are attracted to a university
becuase of different reasons including personal satisfaction and location. A
good location for a new public university is almost as important as having a
good idea in the first place. We should be prepared to make intelligent
compromises in relation to the issue of location of U -OWN. The decisions
should be objective taking into account that; the location should be able to
gain a competitive advantage over any competition. Gaining a competitive
advantage is vital to achieve an edge over competition with other private
universities in the region.
I believe most if not all students of the proposed U-OWN will initially start
by leaving off campus . Location is therefore of indispensable importance and
must play its role in the process of decision. Availability of services such as
banking,night clubs,sports,accomodation or potential accomodation ETC are key
to attracting students. Finally a large number of people and or a vibrant
community around the university plays a satifaction role for the students and
the entire university staff.
I suggest objectively that Arua 'Regional City' is the ideal location to start
small and eventaully expand our treasured U -OWN.There is a point at which
everything becomes simple and there is no longer any question of choice,
because all the committee have staked will be lost if they look back on the
ideal choice of location .We are also politicians so to say the politicians
have to take the final decision is not correct becuase we are politicians too
as voters.
But note the Dutch Proverb that ; 'HE WHO HAS A CHOICE HAS TROUBLE'.
Tom Aliti
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