Kampala, (UG):- Students in higher learning institutions have been challenged to embrace the evolution of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and put it to positive to transform their lives and bring about development in the society.
The call was made by Victoria University Vice Chancellor, Prof Lawrence Muganga in his remarks to the graduating class of 2024 where over 1400 students passed out with Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates at the university’s colourful 8th graduation ceremony held Friday, September 20 at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Dr Muganga, who is also a champion of AI integration in University education implored the graduands to leverage on technology including artificial intelligence to cause a change their communities. He further revealed that the University has put in an Ai lab, and starting this October, “all students will have access to free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training until graduation.”
“We have intentionally chosen to establish an AI computing lab this financial year, where we will develop our own AIs that speak our languages and understand our business practices, Muganda said.
Additionally, The VC said the university created an AI education platform that will serve our students and all Ugandans, regardless of their location. “At VU, we are committed to embracing AI and its potential to transform lives, contributing to the development of our country.”
“By the time our government formulates a policy to guide AI, we hope to be there to support and shape that process, “he noted.
“As we know, in this era driven by Ai, knowledge is something that is experience. So we introduced the experiential planning program at the very beginning. that program. We have begun to see the fruits of doing things differently.”
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa who officiated at the event as the Chief Guest challenged higher learning institutions to focus on groundbreaking innovations and practical research saying this will offer a lasting solution to the country’s problems.
”…invest more in research so that we can do ground-breaking research that will help us to get solutions for Uganda, otherwise most of the research we have in this country is funded by foreigners and these only funds research that serve their interest, Tayebwa said at the university’s 8th Graduation held Friday, September 20, 2024, at Speke Resort Convention Centre, Munyonyo.
He added; “So as government, as private sector, as investors, we need to invest in research that is tailor-made to address our issues as Uganda and Africa at large and that is the only way we shall be transformative and the only way we shall make a magical contribution to the transformation of our country.”
Hon Tayebwa also commended Dr Sudhir, the founder and Chairman of Victoria University for the job well done in emphasizing quality education based on advancing technology in the competitive world. “Thank you Mr Sudhir Ruparelia for investing in a sector where you don’t expect profits but only to offer service to humanity,” he said, before urging the university management to maintain quality grounded on its proprietor.
“On the issue of quality kindly I urge you not to allow any compromise because the chairman is known for quality. I wouldn’t come here, because I am invited by many universities, and I don’t go there because I don’t want to associate my name and the next day you are questioned for quality. So, I want to thank you for that and please maintain it,” Tayebwa stressed.
A total of 1470 students graduated, of which 692 were males while 778 were females. Similarly, 129 graduated with Master’s Degrees, 506 with Bachelor Degrees, 141 with Diplomas and 694 passed out with Certificate awards.
Among the remarkable figures who graduated on Friday included; State Minister for Lands & Urban Development Hon Persis Namuganza, Nakaseke Central MP (NUP) Hon. Mayanja Allan, celebrated TV host Miles Rwamiti, Baby Gloria, Next Media’s celebrated photographer Francis Isano, NBS Journalist Kitimbo Thomas and ex-NBS Reporter, Daniel Lutaaya, among others.
The function attracted esteemed high-profile guests including the University Founder and Ruparelia Group Chairman, Dr Sudhir Ruparelia and wife Jyotsna Ruparelia, Kalungu West MP, also Education Minister (Shadow), Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, Kwagalana Group Chairman, Mr Godfrey Kirumira, among others.
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