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By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ KMA Updates.
Nakawa Vocational Training College graduates jubilate after receiving Diplomas and Certificates in different disciplines at the College Campus in Nakawa, Kampala-Uganda yesterday. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/KMA Updates.
Kampala, Uganda: The College has produced a total of 884 male representing 87.8% and 128 female representing 12.2% in different disciplines.
These have graduated in National certificate, National diploma, instructor and technical teacher education diploma, training institute managers diploma, international health and safety passport, international competence in engineering.
Stuart Jason Mwesigwa, the Cooperate Affairs Manager Roofings (U) Ltd delivers his keynote address after conferring academic honors during Institution’s 8th Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
While addressing press after conferring academic awards to graduands, Stuart Jason Mwesigwa, the Cooperate Affairs Manager Roofings (U) Ltd the chief Guest at the event urged graduates to be ambitious, gracious and dream big as these will be fundamental in using the skills and knowledge acquired for national development.
He commended Ministry of Education and Sports for adopting the TVET Policy 2019 which aimed guiding quality of skills acquired is responsive to the labor market demands.
“As Roofings group we strongly believe in skilling Africa through practical and relevant training, job creation, internship placement, industrial research, retooling workers and others”. Mwesige remarked.
He called on private sector to come on board and support vocational institutions by absorbing students in different fields and government to create avenues for discussion with private sector in shaping what should be taken in by students in this changing world.
Elizabeth Kateme the Assistant Commissioner Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) Department Ministry of Education and Sports speaks to media in an exclusive interview. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Elizabeth Kateme the Assistant Commissioner Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Department Ministry of Education and Sports remarked that the ministry adopted TVET Policy 2019 and that they have to operationalize it to suit required skills from Vocational institutions.
“We are now reviewing the curriculum by involving the private sector such that they tell us what they want as employers”. She quoted.
She added that the policy also require a minimum standard for teaches in institutions therefore the ministry will assess them to establish whether they qualify.
“We are trying to see that salary of trainers/teachers’ is enhanced, these are science graded teachers and we hope soon this will be expedited as well we are training here for example Abilonino Instructors College in Lira is producing many of them”. She added.
Godfrey Fred Muwanga, Principal Nakawa Vocational Training College gives his maiden address during Institution’s 8th Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Godfrey Fred Muwanga the Principal Nakawa Vocational Training College has tasked graduates to appropriately use the acquired skills with passion and motivation as the world is ready to receive only those that can impact.
He pointed that country’s vision is to transform from aid seeking to self-sustaining economy and this can only be achieved through innovation, value addition and service above self which graduates must emulate.
“We are however challenged that there is a gap in skilled human resource especially instructors due to meager salaries which prompt some opt for other avenues leaving institutions with less skilled workforce” He remarked.
He mentioned that there is another gap in technological equipment to help the institution cope with the ever growing technology of the 21st century.
He pointed that there is not direct assurance that all companies can absorb our students to internship thereby calling on government to create an avenue to avert that.
Prof. Titus Bitek Watmon, the Chairman Governing Council of Nakawa Vocational Training College pointed that they are unique in producing impactful students due to vast factors ranging from great library, modern Workshops for students practical experience, dedicated Instructors and the quality of numerous collaborations we have including but not limited to JICA from Japan, GIZ of Germany, Anabel of Belgium, and Innovation research center, including the brilliant students community with high reputation and self-respect.
Prof. Titus Bitek Watmon, the Chairman Governing Council of Nakawa Vocational Training College addresses the congregation during the 8th Graduation Ceremony. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
he said that the college is great because of being sound minded, faithful, truthful, through and through, top to bottom. He appealed to graduands to emulate our Uganda Martyrs who accepted to die because of their beliefs and that they should believe in themselves to do good and great things for this country and families.
“The Certificates and diplomas you receive today is your insurance for life and key for prosperity for many years to come. The value of that policy depends on how much effort you put into your education and what you will do with it as you go on with your career”. He quoted.
“You are young and must be involved in life-long learning. I urge you all to have Commitment to continuous improvement, curiosity, and ability to be innovative, undertake inquiry and ‘think outside the box’ for the sky should be the limit to your aspirations. I will be pleased with the graduates who will continue with studies up to Master and or doctorate degrees”. He added.
He revealed that Uganda today needs more skilled labor than ever before for our emerging industries so Vocational education is the way to go now to achieve UNDP Sustainable Development Goals No 4 on Quality Education, SDG No 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG No 10 (Reduced Inequality).
He further informed that the Governing Council of NVTC is actively working to ensure that the college grows to a greater height, and this is evidence by their new acquired, College status. He noted that Nakawa vocational offered only certificate courses for fifty-eight years and now the college is graduating the first cohort of Diploma Students and are looking forward to the dream of offering vocational degree programmes within the next few years.
Simple pictorial of the major highlights of the 8th Graduation Ceremony at Nakawa Vocational Training College. Photos by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
