Gov't Urged to Consider Funding Innovations in Universities

Professor Emeka Akezour, vice chancellor of the International University of East Africa (IUEA), has urged the government to prioritize funding for innovations in all higher institutions of learning.  

Speaking at the university’s celebration of creative arts, Professor Emeka noted that the work of all higher institutions of learning, regardless of public or private status, directly contributes to the country’s development in multiple areas. 

He said that the president's consistent advocacy for Science, Technology, and Medicine (STEM) as key pillars of the country’s socioeconomic growth, underscored the need for substantial investment if the nation is to fully benefit from this strategic focus. “At the end of the day, what we do whether we are public or private universities, contributes to the advancement of the country,” he stated.  

According to Professor Emeka, with increased mineral exploration, particularly in oil, and the growing emphasis on value addition, Uganda requires many innovators and scientists, ideally nationals, to maximize the benefits. He added that the government should consider the value it would gain from investing in innovations, assuring that local institutions can meet this need.   

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The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that once the government provides the necessary funding, it is up to higher institutions to generate innovations that will benefit Ugandan society. He cited several examples of IUEA’s contributions: “Investing in innovations is practical because, ultimately, what universities produce is what the country needs to achieve middle-income status. For instance, here at IUEA, we focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and Agriculture disciplines and have developed the first fully electric motorcycle, an electric tractor for agriculture, a ventilator during COVID, and were the first university in Uganda to be licensed by the National Council for Higher Education to teach climate-smart agriculture,” he explained.  

IUEA’s annual celebration of creatives showcases innovations in creative arts, including music and fashion, alongside its “Mr. and Mrs. IUEA” pageantry event, which selects one male and one female student as the institution’s ambassadors for the year.  

Solomon Ibrahim, IUEA’s Guild Minister for Social Affairs, described the pageant as one of the university's most significant events, encouraging creativity and competitiveness among participating students. “It enhances socialization and engagement within the student fraternity,” he said.  

Ibrahim explained that students wishing to participate in the competition undergo training for at least a month, progressing to a competition level where they showcase their creativity and talent. A panel of professional judges selects the winners.  

This year’s pageant featured 23 contestants, with 11 females and 12 males, and the winners receiving a full university scholarship through to the completion of their academic programs. They will also remain IUEA brand ambassadors beyond their time at the university.