KAMPALA, UGANDA: Cornerstone University Uganda has rolled out a student-centred model combining scholarships and mentorship to tackle rising university dropout rates, positioning retention as a key pillar of higher education reform.
Speaking at a press conference at the university’s campus in Bweyogerere, Vice Chancellor Dr Richmond Wandera said financial hardship, loss of motivation, and lack of career direction remain the leading causes of student attrition.
“Many students are not finishing because of fees, while others lose hope along the way,” Dr Wandera said, describing the trend as a growing national concern.
He revealed that internal observations and broader trends indicate that between 15 and 30 percent of university students fail to complete their studies, with economic pressures making it harder for families to sustain tuition payments.
In response, the university has introduced a 25 percent tuition scholarship for all new students, aimed at easing financial burdens and expanding access to higher education.
However, Dr Wandera emphasised that financial support alone is not sufficient to address the dropout crisis. “Some students lose motivation because they feel what they are studying is not relevant to their future,” he said. “If education does not connect with their aspirations, they disengage.”
To address this gap, the university has adopted a mentorship-driven model that pairs students with experienced professionals and faculty to guide them throughout their academic journey.
Under what the institution describes as “The Cornerstone Way,” students receive continuous academic and personal support designed to build confidence, discipline, and career clarity.
The university has also invested in creating a supportive campus environment that responds to students’ social and emotional needs, including safe and engaging spaces for extracurricular and weekend activities.
Dr Wandera said the learning environment plays a critical role in student success, warning that institutions that fail to nurture and motivate learners risk higher dropout rates. “We must not only admit students, but we must ensure they finish, and finish strong,” he said.
Education experts have increasingly called for universities to go beyond academic instruction and address the broader realities affecting students, including financial constraints, mental well-being, and career uncertainty.
Cornerstone University’s integrated approach, combining financial support, mentorship, and a responsive learning environment, reflects a growing shift in higher education toward student retention and success.
While it remains early to measure long-term outcomes, the model is being viewed as a potential blueprint for improving completion rates across Uganda’s higher education sector.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
