Makerere University Vice Chancellor Prof Barnabas Nawangwe has appealed to all Institutions for Higher learning in Africa to utilize the various ways of generating funds and resources to cater for the rapid growth of the university students’ population.
Prof. Nawangwe made the remarks at the 14th Graduation Ceremony of Mount Kenya University.
Prof. Nawangwe said rapid growth in University student population is a challenge to the sustainable financing of higher education in Africa in spite of the public investment in the higher education sector in the last 15 years.
Under the theme ‘Financing of Higher Education in Africa for Quality and Sustainability’, Nawangwe who presided over as the guest speaker revealed that, both Uganda and Kenyan economies are struggling with many priorities to bring our countries out of poverty. Therefore, universities are under pressure to increase financial base and control costs.
He lauded those graduating for great triumph as well as achievements in their academics, “Indeed, I am delighted to celebrate this occasion with you and I bring you warm salutations from Makerere University,” he added.
He encouraged them to take the idea of freedom they found at the great university and make it ideal wherever they find themselves.
“Living freely creates more freedom. I want you to continue your interest in education, we are living in a global knowledge economy and Africa’s hope is in you young people who have acquired a good education from Mt. Kenya University. You may not all become professors, engineers, accountants or any of the other white collar destinations,”
“Remember that sacrifices have been made so that you can be psychologically emancipated. It is now your responsibility to prove to the world that all these investments were not in vain. Put passion in whatever you do and you will surely succeed,”
“Commended African universities for formulating and implementing policies that promote third stream income generating activities. The income generating activities in African universities are a good example of an entrepreneurial approach to funding universities,” he said at Mount Kenya University.
He applauded Mount Kenya University for establishing the Research Enterprise, Innovation and Development Centre, Mount Kenya University Foundation, Graduate Enterprise Academy, Equip Africa Institute and Centre for Professional Development whose mandate is to coordinate third stream income generating activities.
His invitation as the guest speaker follows the September 19, 2017, Memorandum of Understanding signed between Makerere University and Mount Kenya University aiming at improving higher education in the region.