The Vice Chancellor of Gulu University, George Openjuru Laadah, launched the four-day FAWE Gulu University Career Expo, urging students to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning to stay employable in a rapidly changing job market.
Delivering the keynote address at the event's opening, Laadah emphasized the importance of adaptability in the workplace.
He encouraged students to integrate artificial intelligence into their everyday learning, noting that the rise of the “geek economy” and remote work is transforming the employment landscape.
"The traditional office and classroom settings will soon become outdated," he warned, stressing that workers must become flexible and adaptable to succeed in future careers.
The Expo, which kicked off on Tuesday, April 9, 2025, with a procession march through the streets of Gulu, is organized under the theme, The Future of Work: Preparing for Careers in a Changing World.
Laadah further highlighted that technological advancements and the evolving nature of industries mean that the world of work is changing rapidly, with shifts occurring every six months.
He urged students to continuously update their skills to stay relevant in this dynamic environment, making lifelong learning a core component of career success.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Uganda, aims to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive and ever-changing global workforce.
"As we discuss the Career Expo, the key issue is how we can expose and open up our young people to the numerous opportunities available within the country," said Susan Opok Tumusiime, Executive Director of FAWE Uganda.
FAWE Uganda is currently funding the education of 56 students at Gulu University, and Tumusiime emphasized the importance of innovation across various industries to ensure young people—especially girls—have the opportunity to live dignified lives.
Richard Onencan, Guild President of the East African Institute of Management Science, and Aron Oketayot, Guild President of Gulu University, both expressed their belief that the Career Expo serves as a beacon of hope for future generations. They stressed the importance of preparing young people for a future increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.
Gulu Woman Member of Parliament, Betty Aol Ocan, who served as the guest of honor at the Expo, called for greater support for organizations like FAWE Uganda, which uplift education, and encouraged beneficiaries to give back to their communities. "Look back to where you came from," Ocan said, reflecting on her own journey and the importance of paying it forward.
The FAWE Gulu University Career Expo also features exhibits on entrepreneurship in art and crafts, entertainment led by Gulu Film Production, agricultural projects from the university’s Faculty of Agriculture, and a blood donation drive by the Red Cross.
These activities offer students valuable exposure to various fields and initiatives within the community.