Indeed the relationship between CHE and most of the private universities has been less than cordial. Rules such as the one requiring universities to have 50 acres of land before being chartered were unrealistic as some of the institutions may not wish to enrol more than 500 students. Although linkages of private universities with foreign institutions had positive impacts, they also have weaknesses. Some have found it difficult to provide programmes that reflect the local needs of the learners. Prof Nguru argued that some mission statements for private institutions do not take into consideration local needs.
Some theological colleges serve the narrow sectarian interests of the sponsoring churches.
Participants called on the private universities to engage in research and capacity building for their staffers. Prof Nguru said research was almost non-existent in private universities, which reduced the institutions to mere teaching colleges. The situation was, however, blamed on lack of funds. University lecturers were also said to be too pre-occupied with teaching to get time off to do research.