Kampala International University (KIU) has embarked on an academic staff-improvement programme that includes among others, the hiring of expatriate staff from different counties in Africa and elsewhere.
The revelation was made by Alhaj Hassan Basajjabalaba, the KIU Chairman Board of Trustees, as he presided over the 15th graduation of the university.
“I am glad to note that the University Council and Management have put in a lot of efforts to improve the staffing levels at all campuses of the University. KIU now boasts of high-calibre academic and administrative staff at the different levels. Many of these particularly in sciences are expatriates sourced from various countries in Africa and beyond due to scarcity of such expertise locally,” Mr Bassajjabalaba said at the University’s main campus in Kansanga where a total of 1719 students graduated. Eighty six per cent of the graduates were Ugandans, with 63 per cent of them male.
“I congratulate the graduating class and wish them very successful careers in the fields of their choice. Today they join the KIU alumni club and hence ambassadors of this University. I implore them to hold high the KIU legacy out there,” Mr Basajjabalaba advised.
Mr Basajjabalaba also refuted reports that KIU admits unqualified students for its degrees, and he said he had challenged those making the allegations to produce evidence to no avail.
“It’s now four years and no student has ever been brought,” he said adding that those spreading such information are misleading the public.
“Indeed, after finding out the truth, the Tanzanian government returned over 2000 students that it had withdrawn from the university over the reports,” he said, and thanked the Nigerian government for referring over 70 teaching staff to KIU.
Speaking at the function on Saturday, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Dr Mouhamad Mpezamihigo told the graduates that much is expected from them.
“I have every confidence that each and every one of you will excel in your chosen paths. Be excellent ambassadors of KIU and make KIU proud by your strong, innovative ethical and excellent contributions,” he said.
Dr Mpezamihigo also urged other Ugandans interested in pursuing post-graduate studies to enroll with KIU.
“I would like to invite those who have not yet attained terminal degrees, to please come back into KIU to pursue postgraduate studies. The KIU of the future is already taking shape and we would like you to be part of our active alumni for the years to come,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Kampala Betty Kamya and the former Kampala Mayor Alhaj Nasser Ntege Ssebaggala among other dignitaries.
