By Mubiru Ivan
The Islamic Call University College (ICUC) has today held its first graduation ceremony since its inception in 2014.
The ceremony was presided over by H.E the Mufti of Uganda and the University Chancellor Shk. Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, during a colourful ceremony held at the UMSC Headquarters Old Kampala.
Over 100 graduands from Uganda and neighboring countries were awarded Bachelors of Arts in Islamic Studies and Arabic Language and certificates in other disciplines.
While addressing thousands of people who turned up for the graduation, the Mufti congratulated the graduands and wished them success and fulfillment in their careers.
He said; “This is not just the first ICUC graduation but the celebration of another Muslim founded University in Uganda”.
He lauded the Ministry of Education in general and Minister of Education in particular Mama Janet Museveni for her tireless efforts towards uplifting education levels in the country.
He further thanked the President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support to Muslims in Uganda especially in the areas of education, unity and development.
The Mufti said he is hopeful that the President will fulfill the pledge he made when he laid the University foundation in 2017.
To the Muslim fraternity, the Mufti urged them to support the university by bringing their children to study at the university.
“Before you demand for government posts, first educate your children” the Mufti said. He called upon the university management to come up with special training packages targeting Imams and District Kadhis especially in the areas of entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
The Education ministry was represented by Commissioner Muzamir Mukwatampola who stood in for the State Minister of Higher Education J C Muyingo.
He commended UMSC and ICUC management for putting in place quality assurance, monitoring, human resource management and other systems that enabled it to be recognised Ministry of Education and Sports.
He said that for the university to grow beyond borders, it should get a charter and ensure that its graduates are self employable and employable by others.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the University Council Dr. Badru Kiggundu despite financial constraints, the ICUC management is determined and able to push forward.
He urged the graduands to not to just walk away from the university.
“Always look back. We shall even open an Alumni chapter” he said.
The University Principal Dr. Muhammad Bowa gave a brief background of ICUC saying that it was a result of partnership between UMSC and the World Islamic Call Society (WICS) during the days of Col. Gadafi.
He said the University has since been recognised by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and granted permission to teach a range of both secular and theology from certificate to degree levels.
While delivering the keynote address of the event, Dr. Abdul Weli urged the graduands not to just seek but act on the knowledge acquired.
The ceremony attracted representatives from Muslim Diplomatic missions like the Iran Cultural centre, Munazamat Al Daawa Al Islamiya and leaders of Muslim founded education institutions among others.
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