On Friday, Kyambogo University, the country’s second-largest public university, completed its 13th graduation ceremonies that had more than 7,000 former students in gown, hood and party mood.
Congratulations to the graduands upon completing their studies, and to their families and guardians, many of whom sacrificed immensely to make the achievements possible. For most of the first-degree youngsters, graduation marks not the end of a long journey, but the beginning of the real road of adult life.
As chancellor John Ssebuwufu put it, the road ahead is filled with expectations, but they are unlikely to be realized instantly.
An attitude of embracing and creating opportunities, and making the most of the least, will be essential. We wish the graduates all the best. You are among a small portion of Ugandans who have passed through a major university, but the pride that privilege brings will count for nothing until you put it to optimum use.
You have been handed a bunch of keys, and now you must find the right key to unlock the various opportunities out there in the world.
As we reported on Friday, one of the highlights of the 13th graduation was the fact that many graduands were able to go home with their transcripts. First lady and education minister Janet Museveni captured the mood when she said that this should not be a one-off but should become the culture.
There is nothing technically earthshaking about a graduation-day transcript; in more developed settings, transcripts are posted to the owner well ahead of graduation ceremonies. What is creditable is Kyambogo’s determination to make this possible.
Many Ugandans who travel abroad marvel at how things work there and wish our political, corporate and institutional leaders would borrow a leaf and serve us better. That is supposed to be one of the benefits of globalization, but in many areas we are lagging behind.
It’s not just transcripts; Kyambogo is doing many interesting things – as we reported on December 12. We encourage its leaders to continue resolutely on this path of harnessing innovations to transcend its local status and provide services that are world-class.