WHERE DO UNIVERSITY GRADUATES GO?

 Over 70% of Ugandans are below the age of 30 years. One of the biggest dilemmas of a youth is lack of access to dignified employment opportunities. The youths hold the future of this country but they face numerous challenges especially those related to economics. It is always a moment of celebration when a student graduates from university. However what awaits them after graduation? In the past when there was only one university a graduate was assured of a job. Today the situation is different. Uganda has over 30 universities. Research shows that over 300,000 graduates are churned out every year amidst a job creation rate of about 70,000 jobs. This is a total mismatch.

So the question is where do the graduates who are not absorbed in the formal sector go? It is said that Uganda is one of the most entrepreneurial countries and this is worth celebrating. However the sad fact is that most of these young enterprises do not celebrate their second birth day. So what is the state of affairs for these graduates? Could we put the blame on our education system that encourages us to pass exams and wait for a perfect job( which in most cases are non existent?) Should we put the blame on university authorities? Should we blame the university graduates themselves? Should we blame the mentality that university students undermine vocational courses yet students from such institutions are taught practical skills and are able to start their own jobs?

The above state of affairs needs urgent attention. Many youths have predominant thoughts of leaving their country for greener pastures. Are youths losing faith in their academic papers? All those are questions are left unanswered.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUTH EMPLOYABILITY.

1.Financial literacy training so as to prepare the university students for the life ahead.

2.Collaborations between universities to plan for the students since we live in a volatile world.

3.Introduction of competency based learning 

4.Youths should form think tanks to enable them scan and prepare for the future.

5. Government should enable the youths to access affordable credit.

6.Provision of internship placements by the private sector

7.Investment in talent development

Over 300,000 students graduate from university every year. Only about 70,000 jobs are created. These can not absorb the high number of graduates. The question is, over the years where do these graduates go? 


Phillip Kiryowa

Finance and Leadership Coach

+256752615916

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