Kampala- Makerere University Chancellor Prof. Mondo Kagonyera, has called on government to adjust the current university education system.
Prof. Kagonyera was speaking at the 10th Makerere University Business School (MUBS) graduation ceremony in Kampala today May 29, 2015 were the business school awarded diplomas and certificates to 1000 students.
Addressing over 1000 graduands’ and guests, Prof. Kagonyera said although the government has tried to do its best in providing resources, much effort is still needed.
“We continue to depend on donors to fund our staff development programmes. This is a clear demonstration of lack of good plans to respond to society needs.” He said.
Kagonyera said he has passed out many graduates, but many of them don’t have jobs. He says the university plays its role of educating but government has to make sure that the graduates are employed. “Universities are playing their role of educating them. It’s not the role of universities to create employment.”
The Chancellor said it’s hard to keep the good staff in the current university education system since many universities cannot pay their staffs’ remuneration. He further said that the university staff and administrators need to do research, attend conferences and publish their findings. “University professors must contribute to new knowledge that generates changes that transform society,” he said.
He said although president Yoweri Museveni promised to give professors more money little has been received.
Prof. Waswa Balunywa, MUBS Principal echoed out the Chancellor’s views. “We are trapped in poverty because we lack knowledge,” he said.
He said many promises need to be fulfilled. “We will receive Shs 6bn out of the Shs50bn promised to academic staff in public universities,”
This year’s guest speaker, was Gen. Salim Saleh whose was theme ‘creating employment and wealth through agriculture as a business,’ advised universities to practically train students before sending them to the field. Gen. Saleh said that many of today’s graduates cannot go to villages to practice agriculture. “Make it attractive so that they can go and do it (agriculture.”
Seven best performing students walked home with Shs500, 000 prize and plaques commending them on their achievements. Three professors and Hajj Omar Mandela, proprietor City Oil were all awarded for their roles in promoting the education sector.
