Mbabane – The Ministry of Education and Training has launched an 11-point reform drive for the University of Eswatini (UNESWA), appointing a new Implementation Committee to act on findings from a recent Task Force report that exposed weaknesses across financial management, academic governance and institutional oversight.
Minister Owen Nxumalo announced the move in Mbabane, explaining that the committee will steer the full rollout of the recommended reforms. Its work begins with reviewing and ranking the Task Force findings before producing a detailed action plan that assigns responsibilities, timelines and cost implications.
A major portion of the committee’s mandate centres on tightening financial controls. This includes guiding improvements in budgeting processes, strengthening internal financial systems and advising on possible restructuring of the university’s financial model.
Academic governance will also undergo significant review. The committee has been directed to help improve programme quality, accreditation standards, curriculum relevance and overall academic decision-making processes. It will further address shortcomings in institutional governance by assessing management structures and strengthening Council oversight.
Given UNESWA’s long-standing financial constraints, the committee has been instructed to evaluate the sustainability of the current funding model and explore a performance-based approach that rewards results and quality improvements.
The ministry also wants the committee to assess staff capacity gaps and propose solutions ranging from training to restructuring. It will lead change-management efforts to ensure reforms are understood, accepted and properly communicated throughout the university community.
The team is additionally expected to coordinate with key stakeholders including the University Council, Senate, Treasury and regulatory bodies such as ESHEC and EQA to maintain alignment during the reform period.
At the end of its term, the committee will compile a full report capturing progress, challenges and proposals for the next phase of transformation. Its first deliverable is an inception report due within 30 days, followed by quarterly updates to the Minister.
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