JINJA-A total of 111 graduands on Friday, November 18, received certificates and diplomas in various technical fields at the Busoga International Polytechnic (BIP) first graduation ceremony.
Presiding over the graduation ceremony at the institution’s campus at Igenge, Jinja district, Busoga Kingdom prime minister Dr Joseph Muvawala urged the graduands to use the skills they have acquired to transform their lives.
“The people we are sending out may look small but are internationally qualified. They do international exams and are recognized all over the world,” Dr Muvawala said.
Dr Muvawala, who also doubles as the deputy chair of the institution’s board pledged the kingdom’s commitment to the development of the institution.
“Working as deputy chair of the board is tasking but I do it to make sure the institute works as it ought to. The kingdom owns 25 per cent of the institution’s shares because we gave the land and if the institute makes money, we as the kingdom benefit,” Dr Muvawala said.
He, however, said that it is not the kingdom’s main intention to make money but rather to enable the kingdom subjects get international certificates and skills.
He delivered greetings from His Royal Highness The Kyabazinga, William Gabula Nadiope, and also commended leaders and parents that are taking their children to Busoga International polytechnic.
Kumar Buyinza, one of the staff members, said all the 111 students excelled and urged them to use the newly acquired skills to transform the country.
Shafati Ssesanga, who graduated with a Certificate in Plumbing, attributed his success to the conducive environment at the institute, including good meals, lecture rooms and competent instructors.
Zabia Nabirye, one of the few female graduands, was upbeat, saying she had always wanted to become an engineer.
“I feel it from the heart. I have got the skill and confidence and I had all along wanted to be an electric engineer,” Nabirye said.
The students at the institute are given quarter, half and full scholarship which prompts them to work hard to maintain the scholarships.
Dr Muvawala also sensitized the people about the outbreak of Ebola, saying it is already in Jinja and urged the public to be cautious.
BIP is an internationally recorgnized training provider specializing in upskilling aspiring young engineering technicians by covering emerging and crucial fields in enginnering like fabrication, welding, carpentry, electrical installations and plumbing.
