During the 8th Graduation Ceremony held on September 20, 2024, at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Victoria University Vice Chancellor Prof. Lawrence Muganga called upon students to accept the changing artificial intelligence scenery and leverage it to change their lives and those of others. More than 1,470 students graduated with Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates in this big milestone of academic journeys.
Prof. Muganga, who is a strong proponent of introducing AI into university education, stated during the graduation address that the institution was committed to equipping students with skills to succeed in a dynamic, rapidly changing world. He said this as he announced the establishment of an AI lab at the university and free AI training for all students starting October 2024.
This financial year, we have deliberately decided to set up an AI Computing Lab in which we shall develop our own AIs that speak our languages and understand our ways of doing business,” said Prof. Muganga. He emphasized how the university was taking things into their hands, graduating students into the future with the incorporation of AI into their education.
The Vice-Chancellor added that Victoria University has developed an AI education platform open to all Ugandans, regardless of their geographical locations. “At VU, we are committed to embracing AI and its potential to transform lives, contributing to the development of our country,” he added. He expressed the University’s ambition to support and shape government policies on AI in Uganda.
The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, as the Chief Guest. He called upon higher learning institutions to focus their efforts on groundbreaking innovations and practical research to solve the most pressing challenges facing the nation. Tayebwa emphasized that this research needs to be locally funded with a focus on solving specific problems relevant to Uganda and Africa, rather than merely depending on foreign-funded research, which might not have local interests at heart.
…Invest more in research so that we can do groundbreaking research that will help us get solutions for Uganda,” Tayebwa said. He hailed the founder and Chairman of Victoria University, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, for his passion for quality education and technological advancement in the competitive world. He also urged university management not to compromise on the quality of education at whatever cost.
Present at the graduation ceremony were notable personalities that included State Minister for Lands & Urban Development Hon. Persis Namuganza, Nakaseke Central MP Hon. Mayanja Allan, famous TV host Miles Rwamiti, and celebrated photographer Francis Isano of Next Media among others.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, which included Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia and his wife Jyotsna Ruparelia, Kalungu West MP Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, Kwagalana Group Chairman Godfrey Kirumira among others, and marked a milestone of achievement by the graduates, innovation, and research commitment by the university.
For this graduation, a total of 129 students graduated with Master’s Degrees, while 506 students received their Bachelor’s Degrees; 141 and 694 students obtained Diplomas and Certificates, respectively. The University prides itself on such an important event, making it ahead in providing quality education to equip students for the challenges and opportunities of life.
