By Jamil Ssekajja
At its 33rd graduation ceremony, the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU) celebrated the graduation of its first-ever PhD in Education students. On December 14, the university conferred degrees and diplomas to over 2,600 students, including Abdulswamad Gyagenda and Wahab Asad Kamonges, who graduated with PhDs in Education.
Gyagenda and Kamonges did their bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes at the university, which the rector, Prof. Ismail Ssimbwa Gyagenda, described as a testament to IUIU’s commitment to fostering advanced research and contributing to the growth of education in Uganda and beyond.
“We are establishing a Centre for Science, Technology, and Innovation, aiming to position IUIU as a leading hub for scientific advancement and technological development,” Prof. Gyagenda said.
In the build-up to the graduation, the university unveiled a Shs 12 billion project for the construction of the state-of-the-art library at its Kibuli-based Kampala campus. The new library will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including advanced online databases and collaborative learning spaces, aimed at fostering a serene and conducive environment for students to study, research, and innovate.
In a message delivered for him by the Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, President Yoweri Museveni commended IUIU for its outstanding contribution to human resource development in Uganda.
“For the last 33 years, IUIU has been producing graduates of high repute, transforming Uganda’s workforce, and contributing to regional development,” Museveni said.
He urged institutions of higher learning to tailor their curricula to address the challenge of unemployment by producing graduates who are readily absorbed into the labour market.
“As a country, we must focus on education that equips graduates with skills needed to compete in today’s job market. This is critical for addressing unemployment among the youth, Museveni said.
“There is a high demand for professionals such as doctors, science teachers, nurses, engineers, and ICT experts in the private sector. However, many learners are not choosing these fields because they are not guided effectively. Educational institutions must step up and address this gap,” he added.
Hussein Ibrahim Taha, representing the secretary-general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hailed Uganda’s leadership for providing an enabling environment that has propelled IUIU to global recognition.
Of the 2,691 graduands, 1,503 (56 percent) were females, and 1,188 (44 percent) were males.
