Vice President, Jessica Alupo, has encouraged students to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a personalized tutor to guide them through their academic journey and beyond.
She made these remarks during the 15th graduation ceremony of St Lawrence University (SLAU), where 436 students were conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates.
This year’s graduation theme, “Embracing Artificial Intelligence in Contemporary Higher Education,” resonated with all speakers at the event, emphasizing AI’s role in shaping the future of work and education.
As the Chancellor of St Lawrence University, Alupo highlighted the transformative potential of AI in various industries and the education sector.
She urged graduates to embrace AI-driven learning and research to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
“The theme of our ceremony is a crucial consideration for our future success and the future of our institution. The world outside these walls is changing at an unprecedented pace. AI is a powerful tool reshaping industry, economies, and even the way we learn and think. To ignore its potential would be to limit your own potential,” she stated.
The Vice President encouraged graduates to integrate AI into their learning process, describing it as a “powerful collaborator, a tireless researcher, and a personalized tutor.”
She emphasized that while AI can enhance knowledge acquisition, students must continue leveraging their critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed through formal education.
However, she cautioned them about the ethical concerns surrounding AI, urging responsible usage to prevent misinformation and biases.
“Embracing AI also requires a critical and responsible approach. We must be mindful of its limitations, its potential biases, and the ethical considerations surrounding its development and deployment. Your education has prepared you to navigate complex issues, and this includes the ethical dilemmas presented by the future of AI. You are the generation that will shape the future of AI, ensuring it serves humanity and promotes progress and prosperity for all people,” she noted.
Nyombi Thembo, the Executive Director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), reiterated the importance of AI in shaping industries and societies. He called upon universities and students to invest in AI research to drive national development.
“AI is now mandatory and must be adopted today. Let’s explore how we embrace AI across our country,” he urged, assuring graduates that UCC is committed to providing a conducive environment for AI development and application in various sectors.
Dr. Charles W. Masaba, the Vice Chancellor of the university, encouraged graduates to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI), emphasizing its potential to enhance their innovation. He pointed out that AI is transforming research, education, and administration by enabling data-driven decisions, automating learning processes, and improving service delivery.
“AI is not just a technological advancement; it represents a paradigm shift in how we approach higher education. Our graduates must adopt AI responsibly, leveraging it to boost efficiency and foster innovation,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He noted that the University is investing in AI research to support quality teaching and learning, as well as other university operations.
“St. Lawrence University has partnered with RENU to improve internet connectivity, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of AI-driven education,” he added.
The graduation ceremony, which started with a mass, also honored the legacy of the Late Mukiibi, the founder of St Lawrence Schools. A candle-lighting ceremony was held in his memory.
Out of the 436 graduates, 227 were male (52%) and 209 were female (48%). Among them, 271 were Ugandans, while the rest came from various African countries.
The best-performing students were also recognized for their academic excellence. Patricia Nakiranda, the best female student, and Alvin Yawe, the best male student with a CGPA of 4.7, were each awarded a shs500,000 cheque for their outstanding achievements.
As graduates embark on their careers, the message from the SLAU 15th graduation ceremony was clear: AI is the key to the future.
With government’s commitment to fostering AI adoption and research, Uganda’s youth are well-positioned to lead innovations that will shape industries and transform the nation.
