By Aaron Okotel
MBALE CITY
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reiterated his call to institutions of higher learning to prioritize teaching of courses in science and technology.
The President has appealed to schools and universities to guide the learners to choose courses that are relevant to the job market.
The resident who was represented by the Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja made this call on Saturday 14th at the 33rd graduation ceremony of the Islamic University in Uganda held in Mbale city.
The President says that there is currently a high demand for doctors, science teachers, nurses, engineers, ICT experts by the private sector. However, due to the lack of career guidance in schools, fewer students are choosing science and ICT-based courses.
“The education curriculum must be restructured to place the necessary emphasis on curricula that produce school and university graduates of skilled and innovative workforce who can be absorbed into the labor market in order to address the challenges of unemployment,” he says.
Museveni further urged the graduates to generously safeguard their lives by adopting a positive and healthy lifestyle. He advised them to desist from laziness, drinking alcohol and promiscuity.
The university graduated 2691 students this year including 1,503 females (56%) and 1188 males (44%) from various academic programs.
In his remarks, the Rector, Prof Ismail Simbwa Gyagenda noted that IUIU is establishing a centre for science, technology and innovation with an ambition to be a leading centre for science, technology and innovation.
Among the guests in attendance included The Right Honorable Moses Ali, the second Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda. The Right Honorable Kia Nakadama, the third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without portfolio, His Eminence, the Mufti of Uganda Supreme Council, Among others.
