Ex-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Ebele Azikiwe has implored Uganda’s graduates to set big goals for them to succeed in life.

Goodluck, also the chancellor of Cavendish University in Uganda, was speaking during the university’s 11th graduation at Speke Resort hotel in Munyonyo on Thursday (August 25, 2022).

Cavendish Chancellor, Ex-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan Ebele Azikiwe officiating the 11graduation ceremony. Photos by Alfred Ochwo

Over 1,000 graduated in different disciplines such as Law, Social Work and Social Administration (SWASA), and Business Administration among others.  

“To succeed, you must be intentional in embracing substance such as time management, planning, and continuous learning among others,” he said.

UPDF Emmanuel Kuteesa was among the graduands.

Goodluck remarked that what differentiates the powerful from the powerless in the 21st century is the mindset.

He noted that the powerful understand that they can create a lifestyle they desire, they apply continuous learning and acquisition of relevant knowledge and skills to fill gaps and solve challenges of society while utilising the power of their mind.  

“You are the reason we are having today’s celebration. I want you to take this occasion seriously and to reward all of us who are here by focusing on success,” he noted.

Goodluck commended President Yoweri Museveni for promoting education and development on the African continent.

“I extend my gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni for all the good things he is doing for the continent of Africa in terms of promoting education and the overall development initiatives,” Goodluck said.

Chief Guest, Principle Judge at High Court of Uganda Dr Justice Flavian Zeija gives speech.

Goodluck, however, said there is a need to support the financially constrained talented youth in Africa to access education.  
 
“We need to look out for the youth that are naturally talented but are faced with financial limitations even if it means connecting them to loan schemes where they can pay later because it is very important. We will continue to focus on removing barriers because there are many African youths, who are talented but disadvantaged,” he said.

Goodluck also underscored the need to embrace Information technology (IT) saying it is the way to go.

He called upon universities and institutions of higher learning in the country to embrace collaboration, saying it leads to the exchange of ideas. 

He noted that collaboration is better than the competition, particularly in the academic field.

Principal Judge Dr Flavian Zeija, who presided over the graduation, tasked the graduates to defend their qualifications by making a positive impact on society.

“Uganda’s job market is overwhelmed by the number of students that graduate every year that cannot be absorbed in paid employment and you are expected to translate the knowledge you have obtained in the classroom into practical innovations from which you can earn a living,” Zeija said.

According to Zeija there is a wide opportunity when it comes to innovation in Uganda.

Cavendish University Vice Chancellor Prof. John Mugisha said they are focused on research, innovation and technology.