The State Minister for Higher Education John Chrysostom Muyingo has advised fresh graduates to take on more training and acquire new skills after graduation, to enable them compete favorably in the job market.
Muyingo warned yesterday that the current job market is becoming tougher for graduates fresh from university, and that it needs candidates with extra skills.
The minister was addressing students at the 23rd Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) graduation at the Kihumuro campus.
Mbarara singer Dorrys Mutahunga (L) also acquired Masters in Administration and Planning.
Speaking at the event, Muyingo took time off to address the issue of strikes that have persisted at most higher institutions of learning.
He appealed to all University managements and students to desist from the striking culture and to always seek to resolve matters amicably.
Speaking in response to the call, one of the graduates of the day and Buhweju Member of Parliament Francis Mwijukye challenged government to focus on addressing the causes of student strikes.
“The role of the minister is to address all the concerns of students in universities; making sure that he addresses that which causes conflict,” said the MP.
The MP was awarded a Bachelors Degree in Development Studies yesterday.
There was talk previously that Mwijukye did not complete the same course back in 2004, although his parliament records show that he possesses the degree.
At yesterday’s event, out of 1,188 students graduating, 486 were females while 703 were males. 120 students were awarded with masters in administration and planning while 8 were awarded PHDs.