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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has advised academic institutions to seek the indulgence of industries in developing academic programmes in order to equip students with the skills necessary in the evolving job market.

Goodluck rendered noble advice to the institutions of higher learning in the country while presiding over the 12th graduation of Cavendish University in Uganda at Speke Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala on August 10.

Goodluck is also the chancellor of the Cavendish University in Uganda

During the event, Goodluck confirmed the academic award of certificates, diplomas and degrees to over 710 graduates following the completion of their studies in different fields such law and mass communication.

Some of the prominent figures in the country that were part of the graduates include artiste Joseph Mayanja aka Chameleone.

“Your journey doesn’t end here, in fact, it is just the beginning of a new chapter for you. The demand of the job market is continually changing.

Employers are seeking graduates who not only possess a strong academic background but also practical skills. Thus, academic and industrial partnership is necessary so that learners are equipped with skills necessary in the job market,” Goodluck said.

He added that industries should actively participate in shaping academic programmes to make the workforce productive.

To the now graduates, Goodluck implored them to leverage the knowledge acquired to shape the continent of Africa. “You should think creatively. Opportunity doesn't favour only those who have the skills, but also those who have the character”.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Monica Musenero said the Government is determined to foster a robust and inclusive economy.

“We are investing a lot in technology and industry, but there is no person to do it apart from you (graduates). You are the one to start the industries, it doesn’t matter how educated you are, or which language you speak, but what you are capable of doing. Don’t underestimate the quality of your unique qualities,” Musenero said.

Using her success story since she graduated in 1993, Musenero appealed to the graduates to define their purpose, develop principles to live by, work hard, live a life of integrity and truthfulness.

“After my graduation, I decided on four things and these include the purpose for my life, vision and principles to live by. I said I would work hard whether everybody around me is lazy, live a life of integrity whether everyone behind me is corrupt, love and live a life of excellence. When you hear anything about me and it doesn’t follow those principles, just know that it is false,” Musenero said.

Imploring the graduates to uphold integrity, Musenero said, “there are two things that have kept me standing even when in a storm, I observed scientifically that even very lazy people, like hardworking people, corrupt want people of integrity to work with.”

Musenero commended Cavendish University for committing to excellence in academia. 

“I want to invite you (graduates) to be thinkers. Africa has spent the last 200 years delegating thinking to others. As people graduating, you have to be thinkers. 

It is okay, there are standards in the world, those of you in science, I want to tell you that every principle you have learnt should be a footstool. The science of tomorrow is in your head, it has to be sought and generated. I challenge Africans to think,” Musenero noted.

Tipping the graduates on her docket, Musenero said: “I lead a sector which has a combination of science (knowledge), if you are an excellent lawyer, you are a scientist, the technology uses knowledge to create tools that can apply and innovation is a combination of both science and technology”.

University vice-chancellor Prof. John Mugisha urged the graduates to embrace the spirit of entrepreneurship in order for the country to benefit from their skills. 

Mugisha revealed that the university has since established a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship to support students and staff to accelerate their ideas and become economic change makers.

East African Business Council chief executive officer John Bosco Kariisa implored the graduates to embrace innovation for prosperity.