The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Hon. Eng. Jonard Asiimwe has pledged to support Soroti University research and innovation to turn innovations into marketable products and enterprises to advance industrialisation.
The minister revealed this during a visit to the institution to assess its research and innovation capabilities and alignment with national priorities, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening science and technology education in the country.
Starting the maiden visit to Soroti University
The visit offers an opportunity to discuss the university’s priorities and its role in developing skills, research and innovation to align with the Ten-fold Growth Strategy anchored on Science, Technology, and Innovation, among others.
The support is expected to help the institution advance its work; he noted that Soroti University, though young, has great potential because of its vast land and focus on critical areas such as space science and nuclear technology.
Hon. Minister being welcomed by Eng. Henry Francis Okinyal, a member of Soroti University Council and Chair of the Estates Committee
University leaders and students welcomed the visit, describing government backing as important to the growth of higher education and innovation.
The Minister’s pledge comes as universities face growing demand to prepare graduates for a changing economy. He announced that he will be a regular inspector and visitor, emphasising that embracing science, innovation and research will drive the economy and create jobs
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Bracing the Teso heat, the Minister on a university tour of the land earmarked for the Centre for Nuclear Science Technology
The Vice Chancellor, in his welcome remarks, appealed to the government to fast-track funding for a nuclear science centre and infrastructure development, noting that the university has an ambitious program of launching courses in nuclear science, Aeronautical engineering, and space technology.