The university says 89 per cent of graduands on the first day were already employed, as its leaders urged graduates to develop practical skills, adapt to emerging technologies and turn innovative ideas into solutions.
Victoria University has graduated more than 2,500 students at its 10th graduation ceremony, with university leaders urging them to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), technological innovation and continuous learning to remain competitive in a changing job market.
The ceremony, held at Speke Resort Munyonyo under the theme “The Future Is Here”, opened with graduands from the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Health Sciences.
University officials emphasised the need for graduates to combine academic qualifications with practical skills, digital competence and the ability to develop solutions to Uganda’s development challenges.
Victoria University said 89 per cent of the graduands on the first day were already employed, while more than 40 per cent were pursuing science-related courses.
The institution attributed the employment figures partly to its flexible learning model, which allows students to balance their studies with professional responsibilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chancellor Professor John Lawrence Opuda-Asibo urged graduates to prioritise practical skills and continuous learning as AI transforms workplaces and professional practices.
Opuda-Asibo warned that graduates who ignore emerging technologies risk losing their competitive edge, urging them to understand and apply AI in their respective fields.
Victoria University Vice Chancellor Professor Lawrence Muganga challenged graduates to embrace what he described as a new world order shaped by technology, artificial intelligence and blockchain innovations.
Muganga cautioned against treating technological advancements as developments reserved for other parts of the world, arguing that African countries must equip their populations with the skills needed to participate in and benefit from these changes.
He said the graduates had received digital training and exposure to emerging technologies, urging them to remain adaptable as innovation reshapes the world of work.
Beyond technical competence, Muganga emphasised the importance of professional relationships and workplace adaptability. He advised graduates to work constructively with supervisors, understand different leadership styles and remain open to learning throughout their careers.
He said the university’s flexible learning model enables students to upgrade their qualifications while remaining employed, helping them combine academic advancement with practical workplace experience.
Delivering the keynote address, Tim Abels urged graduates to identify their strengths, invest in personal development and cultivate a culture of research, innovation and independent learning.
Abels challenged them to begin developing their ideas rather than waiting for ideal conditions, saying initiative was essential to creating innovations that respond to emerging needs.
He also urged the graduates to prioritise physical fitness and personal wellbeing as they prepared for the demands of professional life.
Victoria University Council Chairman Dr Joseph N. Biribonwa said the institution would continue improving its learning environment and facilities to equip students with skills relevant to the changing economy.
Biribonwa challenged the graduates to demonstrate the value of their education by becoming problem-solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs rather than relying exclusively on existing employment opportunities.
He urged them to use their knowledge to establish businesses, create jobs and address challenges affecting their communities.
The graduands expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills acquired at the university to solve local challenges and improve people's lives.
The graduation comes as higher education institutions face increasing pressure to align their training with employers’ needs and the demands of a technology-driven economy.
For graduates entering an increasingly competitive job market, university leaders said adaptability, practical competence and innovation would be essential to turning academic qualifications into meaningful opportunities.