Prof. John Opuda-Asibo (C) after being unveiled as Victoria University Chancellor
Victoria University, one of the fast growing private universities in Uganda has sworn in Prof. John Opuda-Asibo as its 3rd Chancellor. He replaces Dr. Martin Aliker.
Prof. Opuda is a scholar of national and international repute. He joins the University at a critical moment and brings to bear his expertise, wide-reach, experience and knowledge that will ensure that the University remains the top private institution in Uganda.
As a graduate with a veterinary Medical Degree from Makerere University, Prof. Opuda also holds a Masters Degree in Public Health and a PhD in Microbiology, Epidemiology and Public Health, both from the University of Minnesota, USA.
His Public Health training has provided him with multi-sectoral knowledge application in Epidemiology ( observational and analytical), Administration, Economics, Education and Governance.
Opuda has experience in Education, Science, Cooperation, institutional Collaboration and Coordination, Negotiation, Dialogue, Cultural Interaction, Publishing, Grants awarding, Scientific Research, Organising and Charing meetings, Harmonization of Curricula and Educational Systems the latter as a member of the Top Management Committee of the Ministry of Education, Government of Uganda.
Speaking at the swearing and unveiling event held today at Victoria University, Dr. Sudhir Ruparelia, the brain behind the University said having opened in 2013, Victoria University has been growing tremendously over the years.
He added that the University is strategically located and infrastructure set up.
Sudhir said the ever innovating University has so far enrolled 295 students for online courses. He added that the University not only hires the right staff to impart practical skills to learners, but also has local and international collaborations to ensure that the learners “are nurtured to be the best in the future.”
He revealed that the Ruparelia Group of Companies gives 100 internship slots to Victoria University students every semester.
To accommodate the growing number of students, Sudhir said the University is constructing a new home in Najeera on 15 acres.
“It will have capacity to accommodate a minimum of 10,000 students with all the necessary facilities,” he said.
He described outgoing Chancellor Dr. Martin Aliker as “a legend in his own right”. Aliker has presided over four graduation ceremonies for the University.
In his inaugural speech, Prof. Opuda said that over the years he has admired Victoria University’s tenacity and commitment to quality, and that he looks forward to work with the university which he said gives him an opportunity to build a legacy in the education sector.
“It’s not every time that one gets the opportunity to be part of those building an everlasting legacy in the education sector. I have followed their progress over the years and I must say I admire their tenacity and their commitment to quality,” he said.
The former Deputy Chancellor of Kyambogo University called upon government to prioritize the provision of incentives to private education sector.
“Good working education systems are essential. Let’s strive to create a sustainable education system which is better than individuals. I call upon government to prioritize incentives to the private sector as well as supporting research as Universities contribute to the tax base of Uganda,” he added.
The outgoing Chancellor Prof. Martin Aliker welcomed the new Chancellor and assured him of continued support while at Victoria University. He said while serving as Chancellor at Victoria University, the university kept its promise of maintaining academic excellence.
“The Directors assured me that they would do every to ensure the university works at all times to attain academic excellence. I am very happy to note that the university kept their promise. I will provide my support to the Chancellor whenever he seeks me out,” he said.
By Drake Nyamugabwa
