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Chancellor Prof Charles Olweny hails record number of graduands at Mbarara University
Mbarara, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Students and staff of Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) have been challenged to resolve conflicts intellectually, and avoid strikes.
“There has been a lot of unrest at public universities. There have been lots of strikes, some of them silent, others low level strikes among students and staff. Universities being higher institutions of learning, we implore students and staff to use intellectual means to resolve conflict, to be exemplary to other institutions, especially the lower institutions,” said First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Museveni on Friday.
The Minister of Education and Sports said government has prioritized scientists and their pay is something being specially considered and wondered why they are impatient. She reassured that as soon as funds are available, focus will be first on all those involved in innovation and science.
At the 27th graduation ceremony of @MbararaUST, I awarded (with medals) a team of Medical workers under Mbarara University / Hospital Covid-19 taskforce Chaired by Dr Barigye Celestino that is at the helm of containing the Covid-19 pandemic in the district @MinofHealthUG pic.twitter.com/fcWTYxVKsu
— Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu (@MorikuJoyce) April 24, 2021
Janet Museveni’s remarks were read by Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Health Care who represented her at the 27th graduation ceremony of Mbarara University of Science and Technology held for a limited number in Mbarara, and virtually for the majority, on Friday.
She congratulated the graduands for completing their studies despite the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, but challenged them to create, not look for jobs.
“Do not look for jobs. Make yourself relevant and create one for yourself, in order to make a difference in lives of our people,” said Janet Museveni.
Mbarara’s 27th graduation sets record
The 27th Mbarara University graduation held on Friday registered the highest number ever of 1,269, which is over 200 more than that at the 26th -1,031.
Significantly, the number of PHD graduands doubled to 24, from 11 previously.
Chancellor Prof Charles Olweny said the increase in the numbers graduating at graduate and post graduate levels is testimony to the university’s continued commitment to train and provide scientists to help speed up the country’s development.
Prof Olweny, is the 4th chancellor of the University that opened October 28, 1989. Prof Celestine Obua is the Vice Chancellor of the university that has grown from a single medical faculty of 43, with 6 staff, to one over 5000 and 540 staff today.
The Chancellor emphasized that the role of a university is teaching, research and community engagement, and MUST were on track, as between 2017 and 2019, close to 500 research papers were published. He also hailed the emphasis on online learning.
“Most institutions of learning have been moved to virtual learning, and virtual graduations. In the 90s distance learning was looked down upon, but is now the key mode of learning. Virtual learning is the new normal,” Prof Olweny told the congregation.
He urged them to embrace and maintain the core values of the institution; excellence, innovativeness, professionalism, team work and respect for diversity.
“I wish to remind that learning never ends. I appeal to you all, to collect applications for your next diploma, masters or doctoral degree as soon as you leave here,” he said. “I trust that MUST has empowered you with all the necessary skills to survive in this world. Go and spread the light.”
Dr. Joyce Moriku Kaducu said she was excited to be back at the university that trained her to become a doctor.
She awarded medals to a team of Medical workers under Mbarara University and Hospital Covid-19 taskforce that was chaired by Dr Celestino Barigye and helped in containing the Covid-19 pandemic in the district.
GRADUATION FULL VIDEO
