Nkumba University held her 23rd commencement lecture on Thursday 24th October 2024 under the theme, “30 Years of Transforming Dreams into Knowledge and Skills.”
The event was attended by Chairperson and Members of the Nkumba University Foundation Body, Board of Trustees, University Council, Management, Staff, Religious Leaders, and students.
In his opening remarks, Nkumba University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jude Lubega welcomed the Guest Speaker, Dr. Emma Naluyima highliting how she was thoughtfully chosen given her extensive expertise in innovative farming that has revolutionalized agricultural output in Uganda.
A renowned farmer and entrepreneur, Dr. Emma Naluyima, delivered the commencement lecture, sharing her inspiring personal journey and emphasizing the importance of education in developing skills and creating job opportunities. “We go to school to learn, get skills, and create jobs; there is no more learning just to get jobs,” she stated
Dr. Naluyima’s lecture emphasized the importance of innovation, hard work, and determination in achieving success with the aim of inspiring graduands to embark on their next journey with vision and purpose.
She also highlighted the three essential Ps for success which she elaboratively outlined as “persistence, passion, and patience.”
Young entrepreneurs mentored by Dr. Naluyima shared their success stories, including Mugabe Edson, who established a thriving farming project with plans to employ at least 100 people by 2025.
In his address to graduands, Prof. Lubega appealed to the graduating class of 2024 to yearn for academic growth and progression. “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world; let this degree be just the beginning.”
On facing real world obstacles, Prof. Jude advised students to persevere through challenges. “Life will present obstacles, but your resilience will help you overcome them. Believe in yourself and your abilities.”
“As we celebrate 30 years of transforming dreams into knowledge and skills, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and empowering future leaders,” Prof. Lubega added.
Prior to the commencement lecture, Ffulu Building was unvailed in memory of late Charles Kisitu Ffulu, one the founding fathers of Nkumba.
The event concluded with the lauch of a book and an awards session, recognizing outstanding students and university staff, including Kennedy Ssewankambo, the University Football Team Captain who emerged as the sports personality of the year, and Dean of Students, Christopher Kimuli among others.
This was the 23rd commencement lecture since the university’s inception in 1994.
Discussion about this post