Minister of State for Higher Education, Science and Technology, Hon.  Professor Sandy Stevens Tickodri-Togboa has decried the kind of graduates produced by universities arguing  that there is a mismatch between graduates and what the world requires

Speaking at the opening day of “5th Annual Open Day and Fashion” held on Friday at College Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), Makerere University Kampala, he said that students should be taught more practical than theories. 

"The graduates produced are a mismatch to what the world requires,” he said.

Prof Tokodri Togboa said that students should be taught more practical work than theories because the outside world needs practical work and innovative minds.  He added that the curriculum needs to be re- addressed because there are courses that cannot be done in class and on board like automatic engineering and students should look beyond class work.

“Students should not only make dustbins and electric kettles but rather competitive technology that can be exported in order to earn foreign exchange and create wider job opportunities for the youths,” he said.

He advised the university to should invite monthly experts in specific units to train students practically, to enhance them with skills. He remarked that technology plays a powerful role in developing a country, so it is to Uganda.

This function was organized by potential students from the different schools in the college who exhibited their works including works of physical planning, art and crafts and technology works. The function was held under the theme under "enhancing employment opportunities to today's youth through technology and artistic innovation.”

Prof Ernest Okello Ogwanga the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs at Makerere university said that engaging in research and innovation is the only way the country can develop. He said that this is why Makerere is moving away from the traditional classical way of teaching.

According to the principal College Engineering, Design, Art and Technology Dr. Henry Alinaitwe, government has supported the college by addressing its needs however the college still encounters challenges which include low lecturer-student ratio, inadequate facilities like laboratories among others.  He said that the college looks forward for any kind of support from the government.

Nakimera Enid Angella, a student at school of engineering (a physical planner) said that practicals are more knowledgeable because a student can easily forget a theory than a practical. "As students we need support to implement our innovations."