President Museveni has advised Universities to teach courses that are relevant for creation of jobs especially in the private sector.
In a speech delivered for him by Vice President Jessica Alupo during Lira University graduandation, the President said, “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. The public sector has only 469,216 jobs. This is absolutely incomparable, in relation to a population of 45 million Ugandans.”
He stated that graduates must seek employment in the private sector, where more opportunities are.
He noted that, unlike the past regimes which suffocated the private sector, thereby undermining its capacity to create jobs, the NRM had created a favourable environment to attract local and foreign investments.
The President also congratulated the graduands and thanked the leadership of Lira University, the parents, teaching and non-teaching staff and students, saying the graduation was a manifestation and display of the dedication and strong-will in the pursuit for learning and academic excellence.
He commended the University for teaching relevant academic courses and for equipping students with skills that give them a better standing in the job market.
“The NRM Government remains committed to the promotion of science and technology as a major lever to development and sustainability of our economy, adding that he was optimistic that the graduands from Lira University will form a formidable workforce. This will spur Uganda’s industrialisation and technological advancement”, he added.
He urged the students to be responsive to the rapidly changing global economy which is mainly driven by science and technology.
First Lady also Minister of Education and sports Janet Museveni’s who was represented by John Muyingo, Minister of State for Higher Education appealed to the graduands to use the numerous opportunities to create jobs and also further their studies since learning is a life time commitment.
She lauded the University on the growth while appealing for more investment in research and publication saying it’s one way of contributing to the transformation of the country.
The Minister of Health, also area Woman MP Jane Ruth Aceng thanked the University for committing to develop the country through the different courses.
The Chancellor, Hon Justice Dr. Benjamin Joses Odoki said Higher Education is one way in which a country can transform and change.
He appealed for a higher support for the innovation fund so that the University could grow its innovation and support to ICT in Uganda, and for more funds for exapansion and building of a modern library.