Makerere University Sets New Record with PhD Graduation Surge
Makerere University celebrates its graduation with a notable increase in PhD recipients, marking a milestone in its history. A total of 12,913 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas, including 132 PhDs. The university aims to graduate at least 200 PhDs annually to address the World Bank’s call for increased doctoral scholars in Africa. This year’s ceremony also introduces academic transcripts before graduation.
Jubilating graduands yesterday on Monday 29th Jan 2024.
This year’s graduation is unique because the country will be witnessing the highest Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) pass out at the oldest institution of higher learning since its establishment in 1922.
This year, a total of 12,913 graduands will receive degrees and diplomas from Makerere University. Of these, 132 are graduating with PhDs, 1,585 with masters, 11,016 with bachelor’s, 156 with postgraduate diplomas and 24 with undergraduate diplomas.
A total of 53% of the graduands are female and 47% are male. In the category of PhD graduands, 46 are female and 86 are male. In the master’s category, 699 are female, while 886 are male.
The goal is to graduate at least 200 PhDs per year in response to the World Bank call of at least 100,000 PhDs for Africa over the next 10 years, in order to pull our continent out of poverty.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presiding over the 74th Makerere University Graduation.
For the first time, Makerere University printed academic transcripts before graduation. In fact, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Mrs Janet Museveni commended the university for issuing academic transcripts on graduation day.
“This is commendable as it allows our young people to embark on their other endeavours in a timely manner,” she said.
Monday’s function was presided over by university vice-chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe following the expiry of the tenure of Prof. Ezra Suruma as Chancellor of Makerere.
“The University Council commenced the search for his successor. That process is still on-going. At this graduation ceremony. Therefore, I will execute the role of chancellor as provided for in the Universities and other Tertiary Institutions Act,” Prof Nawangwe said.
The University has introduced the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Excellence Awards in recognition of outstanding performers in research and publication. The University also awarded Prof. Moses Robert Kamya and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze as the best overall researchers. Prof. Kamya has 271 publications and Prof. Wanyenze has 153 publications.
