The Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged universities and tertiary institutions across Uganda to prioritise skills development and the teaching of science and technology, emphasizing that graduates from all disciplines should acquire practical skills to improve their job prospects. “I appeal to universities to equip students with skills which are needed by the private sector. As Government attracts more investments, the demand for a skilled and productive workforce will also increase, therefore students must be responsive to the rapidly changing global economy which is mainly driven by science and technology,” Alupo said.
She made the remarks while representing President Yoweri Museveni during the 7th graduation ceremony of Lira University, in Lira district, Northern Uganda. The ceremony was organised under the theme, ‘the beacon @10: a journey of Impact’.
A total of 454 students including 256 males and 198 females graduated with transcripts and certificates from the faculties of Education, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Management Sciences, and Computing and Information Sciences.
Alupo stressed that the NRM Government remains committed to the promotion of science and technology as a major lever to development and sustainability of our economy. She said the National Resistance Movement’s policy on education has never changed emphasising that the Government is fully committed to having one primary school per parish, a secondary school per sub-county and a technical school per district.
Currently, 90% of all parishes have a primary school, 80% of which are government-aided. About 90% of all sub-counties have a secondary school, 67% of which are government-aided. Similarly, all the major regions of the country now have a Public university.
Alupo commended Lira University for teaching relevant academic courses and for equipping students with skills that give them a better standing in the job market adding that this is the only way Government and parents will gain value from the enormous investment in our children’s education.
She explained that the problem of unemployment among the young graduates can be easily solved if all the Institutions of Higher Learning teach relevant courses that satisfy the job market in the private sector. She noted that the public sector has only 469,216 jobs, stressing that this is absolutely nothing, in relation to a population of 46 million Ugandans, therefore, the greatest number of graduates must seek employment in the private sector.
She explained that unlike the past regimes which suffocated the private sector, thus undermining its capacity to create jobs, the NRM has created a favourable environment to attract local and foreign investments.
“Now that we have enough electricity, good roads, peace, government is prioritizing industrialization to cut down the hemorrhage caused by the excessive importation of items that can competitively be produced in Uganda. When we import these items, we donate both money and jobs to foreigners leaving our own children unemployed. More industries in Uganda means more jobs for the population and taxes to the government to carry out development projects,” the vice president said.
She further noted that Lira is headed in the right direction and as Government, they are fully committed to supporting projects with potential and those that exhibit traits of steady progress, because ultimately, these projects are critical to playing a great part in the socio-economic development of our nation.
She congratulated the graduands and quickly warned them about the precarious times the world is living in right now which are characterized by times of devastation sometimes fueled by discriminatory ideology. “I do not catalogue these shortcomings to dampen your spirits on this joyous day, in fact, my goal is the opposite. What I want to impress on you today is the simple fact that your education has primed you for this moment. You are prepared to push against this tide and heal these societal fractures,” she said.
She urged graduates that their role role is to deeply analyze and evaluate the trajectory of your society and devise the strategies to change that trajectory through their disciplinary expertise. “You have refined your reasoning capabilities, and sharpened your intellect. You have sought out diverse opinions, so you now understand the world from multiple perspectives. I congratulate you all, for the dedication and strong-will you have displayed over the years in the pursuit for learning and academic excellence,” she said.
The vice president finally urged the graduands to refrain from reckless and dangerous lifestyles such as drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, extravagant spending. “The Government and your parents have made endless sacrifices to educate you. I am optimistic that the graduands from Lira University will form a formidable workforce which will spur Uganda’s industrialisation and technological advancement,” she concluded.
Justice Dr. Benjamin Joses Odoki , the chancellor, Lira University lauded president Museveni for all the infrastructural development at the 10-year old university and emphasized that as a public university, Lira University is committed to providing access to quality higher education, professional training, research, and innovations aimed at transforming communities.nHe added that reports indicate Lira University graduates offer effective and efficient service delivery in their workplaces.
The Minister for Higher Education Dr. JC Muyingo in his speech read by Geoffrey Onyango, the in-charge scholarships at the ministry, commended the management and staff for their effectiveness in implementing planned activities and ensuring the university’s steady growth despite challenges. He noted that as a ministry, they appreciate the management’s efforts to put things right and ensure the smooth execution of planned programs.
Unlike many other universities, Lira University hands over academic documents-transcripts and certificates-on the day of graduation, allowing graduands to immediately pursue job opportunities.
The Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jasper Ogwal-Okeng appreciated president Museveni for the infrastructural development registered at the university and asked him to fund the construction of both students’ halls of residence and staff houses. Additionally, he requested the president to help tarmack the 26km road network at the university.
He the parents, teaching and non-teaching staff and students for making the University’s 7th graduation ceremony possible. “I congratulate you all, for the dedication and strong-will you have displayed over the years in the pursuit for learning,” Prof. Ogwal said.