92 students graduate at Muni University

Nov 08, 2018

The state minister for internal affairs, Obiga Kania, lashed out at the West Nile community for thinking that the university should admit more students from the sub-region despite their poor performance.

Obiga Kania leading a procession. Photo by Edna Piyic

A total of 92 students graduated with degrees of science in information technology and information systems during the second graduation ceremony that was held at the school campus on Saturday in Arua district.

Out of the 92 students, 47 graduated in information systems and 45 in Bachelors of Science in information technology

Nine students were awarded first class degrees in the two disciplines.

However, the first graduation last year, saw 77 students graduate in both information systems and science in information technology.

The university started in 2013 following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to start the only public university in West Nile sub-region.

The vice-chancellor, Christine Dranzoa, said Muni University is about transforming potential into success and, therefore, grateful to the students for choosing Muni University.

"We see potential in every one of our students and that is why many go on to register incredible achievements", she said.

She also hailed President Yoweri Museveni for establishing the university which is imparting  Science and technology skills to students.

The chancellor of the university, Eric Adriko, says the aim of starting the university was to broaden access to higher education and offer the opportunity for better education.

"The university developed a five year strategic plan to contribute to Vision 2040 through steady progress of education," he said.

He said the young university, which is only five years old, is developing at a fast rate, but there is need for government to increase funding to kick start the agriculture faculty as well as other faculties.

He added that UN humanitarian organisations such as UNHCR and World food programme have developed preference for Muni university students due to their excellent skills.

Adriko said they are planning to new courses like Bachelor of business management and entrepreneurship and Bachelor of Science in agriculture will be introduced in the 2018/19 academic year awaiting final approval from the national council for higher education.

Other courses  in the offing are Bachelor of Science in vocational and technical education, Bachelor of Science in primary education targeting primary teachers, as well as plans for post graduate and masters programmes in the longer future.

The state minister for internal affairs, Obiga Kania, however, lashed out at the West Nile community for thinking that the university should admit more students from the sub-region despite their poor performance.

"Students from West Nile should equally work hard and compete for the 100 government sponsorship slots like other students in the country," he said.

He called upon the university administration to always remain relevant to achieve its mission and vision, especially in transforming lives of the youth.

Kania notes that the ministry has provided for funding in diploma in technical education, Agriculture, engineering, tourism and hospitality among others and implores young people to take advantage of such courses.

"You the graduates should become role models in your communities and mentor the less privileged youth," he said.

He also asked the students to use the higher education students financing loan so that they are able to broaden access to higher education.

Rachel Kiconco, a graduate in bachelors in information systems said she was excited to receive a degree after three years of struggles.

"When I first came to Muni University, it wasn't easy, I was scared to be in a strange place where I never knew any one," she said.

Kiconco added: "In other parts of the country, people do not know much about the people from this region, but while at Muni University I realised they are the most hospitable people".

James Katende, a graduate in bachelors of Science in information technology said it was not easy to succeed to due to numerous courseworks and hard work.

He added that despite hailing from different parts of the country, they blended well within the university.

Katende says the non-residential university gave them the opportunity to co-exist with the neighbouring community that gave them the atmosphere to study.

Rosemary Chandiru, a graduate of information systems says she wouldn't have graduated if it wasn't for African Development Bank that gave her a scholarship to study.

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