St. Lawrence University Celebrates AI-Driven Education at 15th Graduation Ceremony
St. Lawrence University has marked a significant milestone as it hold its 15th graduation ceremony at its main campus in Rubaga, Kampala.
The event, Thursday, which saw 436 students graduate, has been centered on the theme “Embracing AI in Contemporary Higher Education” highlighting the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and socio-economic development.
The ceremony was graced by Uganda’s Vice President and Chancellor of St. Lawrence University, Rtd. Maj. Hon. Jessica Alupo, who urged graduates to leverage AI as a tool for problem-solving and innovation. In her keynote address, she emphasized that AI is no longer a luxury but a necessity in today’s rapidly evolving world.
"Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries and reshaping communities. I urge you to adopt this technology as a means of addressing society’s pressing challenges," Vice President Alupo stated.
She also commended President Yoweri Museveni for fostering an environment that enables private universities to thrive and lauded St. Lawrence University for its leadership in technological advancement.
Delivering a compelling keynote speech, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), underscored the importance of AI in education and the workplace.
He noted that the government is working to expand affordable and reliable internet access, a crucial enabler of digital transformation.
"AI holds the key to solving our most pressing challenges. To harness its full potential, young people must actively pursue skills in data science, machine learning, and coding," Thembo urged.
The graduating class comprised 52% male and 48% female students, reflecting the university’s commitment to gender balance. Ruth Marimbe Sseninde, the Academic Registrar, recognized top performers who had excelled in their respective fields.
Dr. Charles Masaaba, Vice Chancellor of St. Lawrence University, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to AI-driven education, emphasizing the significant impact of technology on research and professional practices.
"AI is not just the future it is the present. It is redefining how we conduct research, solve problems, and engage with the world. As a university, we are committed to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in this digital era," Dr. Masaaba said.
He also revealed plans to integrate AI-focused courses into the curriculum and enhance infrastructure to support technology-based learning.
The ceremony attracted distinguished guests, including Rt. Hon. Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi, Uganda’s former Vice President, and Mr. Mugalu Augustin, Dean of Students at Kampala University, who hailed the event as a milestone in Uganda’s education sector. Renowned gospel artist Pastor Wilson Bugembe led prayers for the graduates and offered words of encouragement for their future endeavors.
The graduation theme resonated deeply with attendees, reinforcing AI’s growing role in shaping higher education and preparing graduates for the demands of a technology-driven world.
