By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
NATIONAL
Islamic University In Uganda also known ad IUIU is set to hold her 30th Graduation ceremony at the university main campus in Mbale.
According to the University Academic Registrar, Dr Halima Wakabi Akbar, the Graduation is slated for 10th June, 2022. Over 2000 students are expected to graduate and be awarded Diplomas, Degrees, Masters and PhD in different academic disciplines.
“We are expecting to graduate over 2,000 students from our four campuses, that is to say Main Campus in Mbale, Kampala Campus, female campus in Kabojja Wakiso and Arua campus in Arua District,” Dr. Wakabi explained
Wakabi has also reminded students on clearances for graduation noting that only cleared students will be eligible to receive their academic awards.
“Graduation fee for the undergraduates is $100, Masters and Post Graduate Diploma is $110 while PhD $220, exclusive of bank charges” she said
She noted that students who will have not cleared by May 27th, will not appear in the Graduation Booklet.
Dr. Wakabi has further forewarned expected graduands and their invited guests on indecency.
“The IUIU dress code shall be observed at all times during the Graduation ceremony,” she warned
Excitement as graduation nears
Mahadhan Ssekamanya, former Guild Speaker at IUIU Kampala campus in the 2020/21 cabinet, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, told Parrots UG that it is by Allah’s grace and hardwork that he is going to graduate on that day.
“I have been waiting for this day because there have been alot of challenges like COVID. A course of 3yrs, I have studied it for almost 4 and a half years”, he said in elations
Ssekamanya is not pleased with with the University decision to hold the 30th graduation at the Mbale main campus and suggests for online alternative.
“Transportation to Mbale is abit expensive given the economy we are in and the high fuel prices, I suggest that the current IUIU Guild President requests the university Academic Registrar Madam Halimah Akbar for both online and physical graduation alternatives to allow students who cannot make it to the graduation grounds at the main campus attend virtually,” he urged
Lawrence Owor, is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication after studying for three years. Unfortunately, he seemingly is unaware of the graduation as the university has been altering graduation dates frequently.
“I am learning this from you that graduation is going to take place in Mbale because previously, I heard that each campus was going to hold its own graduation ceremony”, said puzzled Owor.
Be as it may, Owor was quick to express gratitudes to the Almighty for making his dream of becoming a great journalist and communicator come true.
“This is a dream come true, not everyone has made it to the end. There have been challenges throughout this academic journey but all in all, we have managed to reach the final stage and that is the graduation that’s waiting. I will be reaping what I sowed,” he said.
He highlighted tuition fee as one of the challenges affecting many students but hailed the university for standing with guardians and learners allowing them to pay in instalments.
“The COVID-19 pandemic financially affected many students, fortunately, the institution has been fair to us allowing tuition fees instalment payments. This made it easy for us to complete our studies,” Owor commended IUIU administration
He also appealed to the University to allow each campus hold its own graduation noting that very many graduands may not make it to Mbale to attend physically.
Another student, Sharik Ndagire, at IUIU female’s campus Kabojja in Wakiso, will graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication. She said it has been a “long journey” but Allah had helped her up to the end of the struggle.
“Iam grateful to Allah my parents, lectures, friends and family its really been along journey but Alhamdulilah almost to its end. I am really greatful to my self as well for not disappointing me,” she said
Asked on how her Degree will benefit the society, Ndagire who does not settle for less expressed readiness to use his journalistic skills to provide lasting solutions to societal aspirations as well as transforming individual livelihoods.
“I am well prepared to use my journalism career to transform my community especially in ensuring women empowerment. Currently, I am working with the university marketing department and we are running a campaign doubled; ”the run for girl child education” aimed to raising tuition for 352 students.”
She added; “I am also using ma journalistic skills to mobilize for funds to support the poor, sick and the needy under Muslim Aid Uganda, I am a volunteering member of the Red Cross Uganda Kampala west branch, and member of karibu support Uganda. All these activities give me a raised platform to do various activities inclusive of counseling and guidance mainly to the youth and hence strengthening and benefiting the society.”
