By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Government has been called on to extend the government loan and scholarships to students intending to pursue higher education in uncharted universities to allow them equal opportunity to access quality education regardless of their university choices.
The call was made by Dr. Rose Clarke Nanyonga, the Vice Chancellor of Clarke International University (CIU) during the their 14th Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, March 16.
According to Nanyonga, several students especially those offering health science programs fail to graduate at CIU and other higher institutions of learning because they don’t afford tuition charged for these courses. She called upon government to extend loan opportunities beyond chartered universities.
“I want to continue to appeal to the government to to expand opportunities for loans beyond chartered universities,” she appealed.
She noted that this inclusiveness creates equal opportunity for any Ugandan to access quality education regardless of their choice of university.
The call comes at a time when the Higher Education Students Financing Board (HESFB) has been calling for applicants for loan schemes to continuing students in universities and other tertiary institutions after a short suspension of the program. The application which started on March 4, 2024 was closed on Friday 15th March, 2024. Only students from chartered universities and other tertiary institutions are eligible to benefit from this program which the Clarke International University Vice Chancellor says should include students from non- chartered institutions.
Today, Clarke International University passed out 436 graduates at their 14th graduation ceremony held at University premises in Bukassi, Muyenga Kampala.
They were awarded certificates, diplomas, degrees and masters in different academic disciplines such as Business and Applied Technology , Allied and Public Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, the CIU Chancellor, Dr. Moses Galukande urged the graduates to be citizens of high moral integrity, honesty as they walk out to serve their communities.
“At CIU, we have always been guided by a shared vision of excellence, innovation and service to society. I trust that throughout your time here, you have not only acquired knowledge and skills but also embraced our core values of integrity, diversity and lifelong learning. you have. These values will serve as your compass as you navigate the opportunities and challenges that await you beyond these university walls.
Chancellor's Procession marks the commencement of the 14th Graduation 🎓 Ceremony of @CIUuga .#CIUGraduationDay #Congratulations #Classof2024 #CIU #Lead #Innovate #Transform
🎥 @akida_leonard | @parrotsug @RoseNanyongaCla @AAshemereirwe @akampa01 @anitarita pic.twitter.com/lYxSWBqt8A— Parrots UG (@parrotsug) March 16, 2024
The Chancellor assured the congregation at the 14th graduation ceremony of the university’s commitment to attain the charter status.
Dr. Safina Kisu Museene, Commissioner health training institutions in the ministry of education and sports, who represented the Chief Guest, Dr. John Chrysestom Miyingo, the state minister for higher education urged graduates to embrace digitalization in health sciences and advised them to grab opportunities in rural areas.
“I therefore encourage you to embrace digitalization in health, business by fostering digital collaboration, learning, literacy and investing in self development by familiarizing yourselves in current digital systems and softwares relevant to your fields,” said minister Miyingo.
The minister in his speech further called for observing and maintaining professionalism by the graduands and commended CIU management for their efforts to ensure quality education at national and other international standards.
