By Joan Ahumuza
Clarke International University on Saturday held its 14th graduation ceremony with 436 graduands scooping certificates, diplomas, degrees and masters. Of these; 6 are from the School of Business and Applied Technology, 72 from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, 83 from the Institute of Public Health and Management, 275 from the Institute of Allied Health Sciences.
The event held at the University’s main campus located at Kawagga close, off Kalungi Road, Muyenga Block, was graced by the State Minister for Higher Education Hon. John Chrysestom Muyingo who was represented by Safinah Kisu Museene, the Director for Higher Vocational and Training Studies at the Education Ministry.
In his message, Muyingo urged the graduands to go to innovate solutions to challenges affecting the world since the university has equipped them with enough skills and knowledge.
”Many of you here are graduating with degrees, but the question is, how are you going to use that degree to transform your societies, currently we have enough degrees but lack solutions. Am sure Clarke has hugely equipped you, don’t ashame your University,” said Muyingo in a message read by Ms Museene.
To the University administration, he urged them to focus more on research and technology, saying the two are key tools of transformation.
”I urge academic institutions including Clarke to invest more in research and technology to enable our graduates to swiftly battle global challenges including climate change, which has since affected the entire globe,” Muyingo emphasized.
The University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Clarke Rose Nanyonga asked the graduands to use the skills acquired to propel the country’s development.
”Your faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to deliver quality education, leading your learning with positive intent. May you continue to be invaluable assets to your communities, striving for growth beyond your qualifications, mastering essential skills suited for your purpose, uncovering, embracing, and sustaining your purpose, taking charge of your developmental journey, cultivating your brand and network, and most importantly, actively engaging in a world where your talents and skills inspire change.” Prof Nanyonga told graduands.
She added; ”adaptability, a crucial skill in today’s world, allows you to navigate uncertainties, embrace new technologies, tackle evolving challenges, and seize emerging opportunities. Approach the world with resilience, openness to change, and readiness to excel in diverse settings.”
She noted that the University that started last 16 years with less than 50 students has so far over 3600 alumni, with invaluable connections across health sciences, business, and technology, locally and globally.
Prof Nanyonga further noted that of the 3600 alumni, 93% are gainfully employed, 87% hold a position related to their degree, 2500 have graduated with health-related qualifications and 15 have unique programs geared towards advancing leadership skills and preparing our graduates to compete globally.
About The University
Clarke International University, formerly International Health Sciences University, is a private non-residential university in Uganda.
Clarke has built its main campus at Kawagga Close, off Kalungi Road, Muyenga at Block 224 | Plot 8244 Bukasa, Kyadondo, from St. Barnabas Road, Namuwongo a southeastern section of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city.
Clarke International University is a member of the Clarke Group of Companies (Clarke Group), a conglomerate of companies in agribusiness, healthcare, education, hospitality, leisure and philanthropy. The companies in the group are majority owned by physician, politician, entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Ian Clarke.
The university incorporated the Uganda Health Management Institute (UHMI), and the International Hospital School of Nursing (IHSON) as the two founding faculties of the university. In December 2010, the university marked its maiden graduation ceremony, held at the university campus at Namuwongo, a suburb of Kampala.
In March 2014, the university held its fourth graduation ceremony, where 229 students graduated, 111 (48%) male and 118 (52%) female.
