By our reporter
Mbarara
University of St. Joseph Mbarara (USJM) landscape has been gripped by an intricate puzzle — a sharp decline in the number of graduates, sending shockwaves through the institution.
Diving into the number of graduates in the last three graduation ceremonies; the university recently graduated the lowest number of graduates at its 3rd graduation ceremony where a total of 95 graduates received their diplomas and Degree awards. They included 39 males (37.8%) and 56 females (58.9%).
The drastic drops of the number of graduates is an increasingly prevalent issue. For instance, during their first and second graduation ceremony, USJM graduated a total of 193 and 184 graduates, respectively a disparity that is escalating to unprecedented levels.
This means that the number of graduates at this institution keeps on reducing which worries management and the public about the future of the institution.
Speaking at the 3rd graduation ceremony, the Archbishop of Mbarara Archdiocese Lambert Bainomugisha, who serves as the university chancellor, asked President Museveni to fulfill his pledge to support the university. This pledge included the construction of a science block at a cost of 7 billion Ugandan shillings that he made at the commissioning of the university in April 2019. He asked Hon. Musazi, the state minister for Finance and development who was also the chief guest to pass on the reminder to the president.
It should be recalled that during the the second graduation ceremony last year, the deputy speaker of parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Bangirana Tayebwa who was the chief guest pledged to follow up the pending presidential pledges but up to date nothing has been done.
In his remarks, the guest of honor encouraged private universities to collaborate with the government to access funding opportunities and stressed the importance of graduates becoming job creators rather than job seekers. Musasizi made a personal contribution of 20 million shillings towards infrastructure development at the university.
Notable mentions were also given to Ms Ainembabazi Renifer and Mr. Surudu Isaac, who both achieved first-class degrees in Education. Archbishop Lambert commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication, urging them to become ambassadors and make a positive impact in the job market.
