Fix education system to empower graduates, expert tells gov't

By Francis Emorut                                                                

KAMPALA - A human resource expert has tasked government to ensure that the education system enables university graduates to build self-confidence.

Janat Nambi pointed out that 30 graduate job seekers enter her office everyday but are found to lack confidence during interviews, plus many lacking a direction in their respective lives.

According to her, attitudes much first be changed – especially towards time management and role-playing.

She made the remarks during celebrations to mark 75 years of the Young Men's Muslim Association held under the theme: "Promoting Girl Child Education" at Nabisunsa Girls School in Kampala.

"Solve the chronic culture of producing graduates who are not bringing any development to the nation and churn out graduates with a purpose who are all-rounded to transform the nation.”

Nambi, who runs a consultancy firm NFT Consult, appealed to parents to let the children be themselves rather be seen as an extension of the parents.

To the students, she urged self-discipline, respect and confidence.

The celebrations were attended by the association patron Prince Kasim Nakibinge, Sheikh Obed Kamulegeya and top Muslims in various fields in the country.

Also present, Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda hailed the Muslim association for promoting education and the health sector by setting up schools and medical facility in the country.

"This is to congratulate you once again for reaching this milestone of 75 years during which you have made tremendous contributions to the medical, education and other sectors in this country," said the premier.

Formed in 1940, the association boasts of 1500 Primary Muslim Schools and 150 secondary schools across Uganda. It was established by the late Prince Badru Kakungulu.
 

Students of Nabisunsa Girls School attend the celebrations. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

The headteacher of Nabisunsa Girls School Aisha Lubega (L) talks to human resource expert Janat Nambi. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

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PM Rugunda (C) with Prince Kassim Nakibinge (right) and the president of Young Men's Muslim Association cutting a cake during the anniversary. (Credit: Francis Emorut)

Aisha Lubega, the headteacher of Nabisunsa Girls School appealed to parents and the Muslim community to educate the girl child so as to make them attain leadership positions in all spheres of life.

Her call was re-emphasized by retired civil servant Mustafa Mutyaba who said educating a girl child is critical in society where she can be in position to make decisions from an informed point of view.

Jamil Sewanyana, the secretary general of the association, stressed the need for strengthening the association to mentor and nurture young Muslims to become leaders.

On his part, Uthman Mayanja, the association president, encouraged young Muslims to develop the spirit of what the founders of the association had back in the 1940s to support the Muslim community.

"We should not have the mentality nfunira wa (what do I benefit)" he said.

He pledged to take the association to greater heights by building a vocational school in Kibuli and a primary school at Nabisunsa to benefit the community at a cost of sh2bn each.

Around Kampala, the association has set up schools, including Kibuli Nursery School, Kibuli Demonstration School, Kibuli Senior Secondary School, Kakungulu Memorial School, and Nabisunsa Girls' School.

Other investments the association has made include setting up Kibuli Core Primary Teachers College, Kibuli Nursing School, Kibuli Medical Laboratory Technicians School and Kibuli Muslim Hospital.