PS Aggrey Kibenge Calls for More Focus on Science Education at Ibanda University

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development (MGLSD), Aggrey David Kibenge, has urged Ibanda University to prioritize science and technology education as a cornerstone of Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Speaking at the university’s 8th graduation ceremony on Friday, Kibenge underscored the urgent need to bridge the gap in science education to meet national development goals.

Addressing graduates, staff, and parents at the university grounds, Kibenge expressed concern over the low number of students pursuing science disciplines.

Of the 3,161 graduates, only 65 had completed courses in science and technology, a statistic he described as alarming.

“While it is commendable that Ibanda University is celebrating its largest number of graduates since its inception, we must also address the critical question of relevance in today’s world,” Kibenge noted.

The Permanent Secretary emphasized the importance of aligning higher education with the demands of a modern economy.

“We need to deliberately increase the numbers in science and technology courses if we are to produce the skilled labor and human capital necessary to drive socio-economic transformation in this science and technology-driven age,” he stated.

Kibenge highlighted the pivotal role of science and technology in addressing contemporary challenges such as healthcare, infrastructure development, and digital innovation.

He urged the university’s administration to reassess its strategies to attract more students to science-related programs.

According to Kibenge, this shift is essential for ensuring the institution remains a vital contributor to national progress.

The event, which celebrated the largest graduating class in the university’s history, was marked by jubilation and optimism.

Graduates and their families expressed pride in their achievements, while also recognizing the need to adapt to an increasingly competitive and technology-driven job market.

Ibanda University’s leadership echoed Kibenge’s sentiments, pledging to strengthen efforts to promote science and technology education.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samson James Opolot, acknowledged the importance of producing graduates who can drive innovation and support Uganda’s Vision 2040 agenda for sustainable development.

Kibenge’s call to action aligns with broader national priorities aimed at equipping Uganda’s youth with skills to thrive in a global economy.

He stressed that higher education institutions must take deliberate steps to close the gap in science education, which he described as critical to the country’s future prosperity.

As the ceremony concluded, Kibenge’s message left a lasting impression, emphasizing that the path to national development lies in cultivating a generation of innovators and problem solvers.

For Ibanda University, the challenge now is to transform his vision into a reality by nurturing talent that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving world.