KAMPALA – Mary Busingye Karooro Okurut, the Minister in Charge of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister has said that Uganda still suffers a shortage of PhD holders, something she said has stunted country’s education quality.
The minister was speaking at the Kampala International University’s (KIU) 21st graduation ceremony on Saturday 16 where she was the Chief Guest.
Okurut said that the number of PhD holders in any given country is a catalyst to economic growth.
“It is the PhD holders that initiate research, supervise postgraduates and lead in publications and innovations,” said the minister.
Okurut tasked the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) to intervene in the matter to cause a positive change.
“I call upon NCHE to support KIU and similar institutions that are trying their best to address an important matter of concern of national magnitude,” said Okurut.
The minister congratulated the graduands and ask them not to sit home waiting for jobs but rather to be innovative and start own opportunities.
“Get out to the world of work with a positive attitude, you will achieve your dreams. You have made and we are proud that you will soon part of the workforce, wherever you will be employed or where you create your own employment,” she said.
According to the university Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mouhamad Mpezamihingo, a total of 2,962 students have graduated, 59% of whom were males and 41% females.
However, Mpezamihingo revealed that 16% of the students were unable to graduate due to failure to raise tuition.
The Chairman Board of Trustees Al Haji Hassan Basajjabalaba who is also the school founder tasked the graduands to convert their acquired knowledge and skills into service that satisfies people’s needs and adds value to their lives.
“This is the best way you can be proud of yourself as effective alumni and ambassadors of KIU,” he said.
He added that “remember the only way to beat the competition is pursuing excellence in whatever you do. Give your very best in everything you touch.”
Recently, KIU was ranked the best private University in Uganda and number 217th on the African continent by Webometrics.
In the January ranking, KIU was ranked the best private university in Uganda, taking 206th in Africa and 109th in Sub-Sahara.
The July 2019 edition also indicated that the University has maintained its position as the best University in Uganda.
Ranked by Webometrics, a system for the World’s Universities based on the volume of the Web content and visibility and impact of their web publications, KIU is ranked in 5917 position globally.
