Global collaboration calls as over 600 ISBAT students set to graduate

Over 600 students are set to graduate from ISBAT University this week, with university officials urging higher institutions across Uganda to strengthen international collaborations to enhance education quality and prepare graduates for the global job market.

ISBAT University vice-chancellor Prof. Matthew Kalmatacal says partnerships with global institutions not only improve academic standards but also expose students and faculty to international best practices.

“Education today cannot operate in isolation. To empower youth and build a stronger Uganda and Africa, we must collaborate globally,” Kalmatacal said during a media briefing ahead of ISBAT’s 18th graduation ceremony.

The ceremony, scheduled for Wednesday, will see 692 students receive degrees, diplomas and certificates across various disciplines. Of these, 40 per cent are female, representing 24 countries, with Ugandans making up 75 per cent of the class.

The event is expected to be presided over by ICT and national guidance minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi. Among the graduands will be 25 students who will receive dual degrees from ISBAT and UCAM University in Spain. Senior representatives from UCAM, including the Dean of International Affairs and the Dean of Business, are expected to attend.

“Such partnerships ensure that our graduates are not only ready for Uganda’s job market but also competitive globally,” Kalmatacal said.

He added that ISBAT’s collaborations with universities in Europe, America and Asia continue to open doors for graduates to pursue further studies and professional opportunities abroad. 

Kalmatacal also highlighted ISBAT’s partnership with institutions in Kenya to strengthen its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes, enabling students to access quality education remotely.

He commended ISBAT chairperson Varghese Mundamattam for supporting initiatives that have helped the university attract students from over 24 countries across Africa.

According to ISBAT University academic registrar Dr Paul Giju, the diversity of the graduating class reflects the institution’s growing reputation as a regional hub for higher education and innovation.

“This shows that ISBAT is being accepted by the academic ecosystem of Uganda,” Giju said. “We are thankful that students from many countries are helping make Uganda a core hub for education.”

Giju revealed that 55 per cent of the students attained first class degrees, while the top 10 per cent recorded a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) close to 4.95 out of 5.

“This is a great achievement that demonstrates the high standards our students maintain when they graduate from ISBAT,” he said.

He added that the university’s focus on entrepreneurship has enabled many graduates to create their own employment. “About 32 per cent of our graduates are self-employed or have started their own businesses,” Giju said.  

As part of efforts to support Uganda’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme, the graduation will include 119 graduates from the Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) who completed professional certificates in Software Engineering and Multimedia under joint ISBAT–UVTAB programmes.

Director of Studies Dr Pradeep Kumar urged higher education institutions to focus not only on employability but also on nurturing innovators and entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth.

“The objective of higher education is not only to make students employable but also to make them job creators,” Kumar said. 

Kumar also highlighted ISBAT’s efforts to support students from marginalized regions such as Karamoja, noting that many have successfully transitioned into employment or higher education.

“I am very happy to share that almost 90 per cent of our students from Karamoja have either found employment or pursued postgraduate studies,” he said. “These stories reflect our commitment to inclusive education that empowers all learners.”