KAMPALA – The Kampala International University (KIU) Vice-Chancellor Mouhamad Mpezamihigo has called upon the students, who are now faced with new realities in accessing university education, to be fast adapters to the integration of digital technologies and blended learning, open, distance and e-learning in order to remain up to speed with the demands and in tandem with maintaining quality education and training.
Speaking at the University’s 23rd graduation and their 2nd Virtual ceremony held at the main campus in Kansanga, Kampala on Saturday, the VC said that they have continued to address all concerns and needs to sustain the blended format of education and training, under the prevailing circumstances.
The function was officiated by Prof Ronald de Jong, the Chairman Philips Foundation, and a retired Member of the Executive Committee and Executive Vice President of Royal Philips, for which he served close to 10 years (2011-2019).
“I, Of course, you may be faced with challenges such as internet access, acquisition of smart gadgets, and other social-economical constraints. However, you must remain positively focused to reach what I term: “your finishing line” in pursuit of your academic dream. The University will always be there for you and therefore do not tire in search of help and guidance from the appropriate academic and administrative units. You may also contact the Guild Union leadership to advance your needs and concerns,” said Mpezamihigo.
The VC also revealed that since the outbreak of the Covid-19 Pandemic, and the subsequent lockdown, followed by the phased and staggered re-opening of educational institutions, KIU has lived through and gained a new experience.
“We are grateful that H.E the President and the government of the Republic of Uganda, allowed finalists to return and complete their studies, which has enabled most of today’s celebrants and graduands to be able to graduate. I am sure that returning to studies after such an extended period of uncertainty has been a strange experience and not easy at all. We thank you for your positive attitude and hard work; and the support by your sponsors and guardians,” he said.
He added that “We also appreciate the staggered re-opening for all the continuing students, and hope and pray that as the situation gets better and safe to do so, the government will consider full re-opening of education institutions in due course.”
According to the VC, a total of 3,521 students have graduated, out of which 61% (2,135) are males and 39% (1,386) are females.
47% (1,672) will be receiving science-based awards, an increase of 4% compared to the August 2020 graduands. 53% (1,849) awards will be in arts, humanities, business education, and law. 171 are postgraduates, including 3 PhDs.
“Overall, the Western Campus has contributed 54% of the graduands, which may partly explain the jump in the percentage of the science graduands.”
He said that among the bachelor’s degree holders, 22 have distinguished themselves above their colleagues by obtaining First Class degrees.
“We congratulate them in a special way, with each one being issued a certificate of Merit for their outstanding performance.”
Congratulating the graduands, Prof. Fred Wabwire Mangen, the Chairperson, University Council said that as a University, they have created opportunities for them to go out and compete in the global environment, get into the world to work and change it for the better.
“Therefore, receive my warm and hearty congratulations upon your graduation. Great thanks to the parents, guardians, sponsors and all those who have made a contribution to your success at KIU,” he said.
Prof. Wabwire revealed that KIU has been ranked the best private university in the East African region and the leading private University in Uganda, attesting to the wonderful infrastructure, the highly qualified and skilled human resource and the studious students that have been trained here.
“As the University Council, we commend the incredible investment by the Board of Trustees, specifically, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Al Hajj Dr. Hassan Basajjabalaba. KIU is proud to have him as the Chair of the Board and his entire team of Trustees.”
This year 2021 continues to be a challenge with education institutions still suffering the larger part of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Wabwire says that the resilience that the University has demonstrated has shown that it can stand the test of time and still deliver the desirous services to the community, and “for this I commend you” [the management].
