Mukono, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | At least 146 students of St Elizabeth Institute of Health Professionals in Mukono Municipality who failed to graduate last year because of the failure by the institute to organise a graduation ceremony have finally graduated.
The institute merged the graduation of last year’s students together with those of this year citing limited funds. As a result, 264 students received certificates and diplomas in medical laboratory technology, clinical medicine, community health, and pharmacy at a colorful function held on Tuesday.
Ramadhan Ndhego, the Head Principal St Elizabeth Institute of Health Professionals explains that they needed about Shillings 40 million to organize the graduation ceremony last eat but failed to raise the money. Each student is required to pay a graduation fee of Shillings 150, 000, which comprises the fees for the graduation gown.
Derrick Onena, who had to graduate, last year says their failure to graduate last year was a serious setback since they had made plans. “Uganda is very competitive regardless of the profession you take, the more you delay the more chances are wasted. But finally we are glad that we have made it,” Onena told URN.
Patrick Mpiima Kibirango, the Registrar of Allied Health Professionals in the Health Ministry, who presided over the graduation, noted that despite the institute’s failure to hold a graduation ceremony last year it is up to the standard of training health professionals.
Kibirango urged students to tap into available opportunities to create a better future.
*******
URN