Focus on self-devt to better Uganda, Muyingo tells graduates

The Minister of State for Higher Education, John Chrysostom Muyingo has challenged university graduates to look beyond just earning a university degree that comes with acquiring knowledge but also develop skills to think critically, innovate and contribute meaningfully to global development. 

Minister Muyingo reminded the graduates to be motivated by the sacrifices made by parents and guardians to finance their university education and avoid indiscipline such as drunkenness and sexual immorality and promiscuity if they are to live purpose driven lives for themselves, families they come from and their country.

“The long-awaited day has come. The hard work and perseverance you put in from the time you joined university to the end has finally paid off. I urge you to apply the knowledge, practical skills and values you have acquired for self-development, community transformation and the nation at large,” Muyingo said.

“To achieve all this, you need a positive attitude, open-mindedness, being a visionary, creative and innovative. It is crucial to leverage on the pertinent skills acquired to establish enterprises because higher education plays a huge role in shaping the future of young people,” Muyingo added.  

The Minister made the remarks on Friday at Hotel Africana in Kampala while presiding over the 17th graduation ceremony of international business, science and technology (ISBAT) University where a total of 509 graduates were awarded degrees in different academic fields such as science in networking and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning, engineering in electronics and communication, among others.

From a technological perspective, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the university, Varghese Mundamattam reminded graduates of the threat that comes with disruptive technologies, something he said is a threat to the current jobs. Mr Mundamattam also encouraged the graduates to embrace upskilling and reskilling to be productive in the global job market.

“Human life is heavily influenced by digital transformation, the ever-increasing rates of unemployment mainly as a result of the gap between the job industry and academia. We are living in an age of disruptive technologies where some of the jobs that exist today may not exist in a few years. This means alot needs to be done as far as upskilling and reskilling is concerned. Education institutions should have engagements with the business world and corporate sectors to see what job requirements are on their side to absorb graduates churned out by universities,” Mr Mundamattam said.

“As you go out to the global village, embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead. Use your education to make meaningful contribution to society and hold the reputation of your country and the university you studied at,” Mundamattam added.
While representing the President of the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce, Moses Okwalinga observed that 42 percent of enterprises come from within the graduate’s families while the government absorbs only 17 percent of the total number of graduates from different universities.

“Out there, you could choose employment or choose to start a business. A degree is not enough. You have to develop other skills and study other disciplines outside your professional field. Analyse the job market demands and understand what’s working and how the different skills are applicable to the job market. Look at your individual path because the job market levels everyone in their place. Above all, strive to be successful in whatever you choose to do,” Okwalinga advised graduates.  

For his part, the Chancellor of the University, Fred Jachan Omach Mandir encouraged graduates to become ambassadors of change, creators of opportunities and champions of excellence whether they join the workforce or start enterprises and employ others, rather than look for jobs.

“Your education is a gift not only for personal advancement but for betterment of communities and the country. Aspire higher, pursue your masters and doctoral degrees and build a brighter Uganda and a better world for everyone,” Omach said.
It should be noted that ISBAT University was granted a charter in 2019 and is one of the few chartered universities in Uganda. It is currently home to students from 32 countries in Africa and beyond.