By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMAPALA
The Vice Chancellor of Kampala International University (KIU), Dr. Mouhamad Mpezamihigo has called on government to reinstate students loan scheme to enable students with financial challenges attain affordable and quality higher education.
“We appeal to the government to reinstate the students loan scheme,” Dr. Mpezamihigo said
In June this year, government through the Higher Education Students Fund Board (HESFB) announced that they have suspended its students loan scheme effective 2023/24 Academic year. According to the board, the decision was due to budgetary shortfalls.
“The HESFB informs the public that the board will not receive applications for study loans to the Academic Year 2023/24,” read a statement by Micheal Wanyama, Executive Director HESFB.
The Vice was speaking at the university’s 28th graduation ceremony at KIU Main Campus Kansanga where a total of 1862 students including 54 % male Graduands and 46% female graduands.
He challenged the government to centralize scholarships according to students choice of universities than limiting them only to public universities.
“Private universities have already demonstrated their potentials in providing improving higher education. Centralize these scholarships and distribute them following students choice of universities than limiting them to public universities,” he said.
Data records at HESFB indicate that a total of 652 students benefited from the loan scheme in 2022 compared to 1,273 in 2014. The board attributed this to low funding from the government.
@kiuvarsity VC @MouhamadMpeza says the university is committed to prioritize science and technology , research and innovations. Over 2000 Graduands are graduating today at #KIU28thGrad. @DrMusenero @HEBobiwine @jayshaldon @freelady_anna @tayebwa_isaa @uwimanaprecious pic.twitter.com/gTry7YoKta
— Parrots UG (@parrotsug) November 25, 2023
The chief guest, Dr. Monica Museneero Musanza who doubles as the the minister of science and technology said she will forward requests by the university to cabinet and the ministry of education and sports.
She urged graduands to be versatile and adopt to science, technology and innovations to meet the dynamic standards of the working environment.
“We are all aware that the world is changing very fast, and you either adopt very fast or your are forgotten,” said Dr. Musenero.
