Kampala, Uganda – In a move hailed as potentially transformative for the education landscape of the African continent, Hon. Adow Aden Mohammed, Member of Parliament for Wajir South in Kenya, announced a bold initiative aimed at expanding access to higher education for underprivileged students across Africa.
Speaking at the 22nd Graduation Ceremony of Kampala University, Hon. Mohammed, a former journalist with Al Jazeera English, passionately advocated for the power of education to eradicate poverty and empower communities.
“The fastest way to emancipate my people from poverty is through education,” declared Hon. Mohammed, his voice resonating with conviction. He emphasized the critical importance of investing in education, particularly in an era defined by rapid technological advancements and fierce global competition. “We have to stay sharp, focused, and also ensure that we stay on top of our game.”
Hon. Mohammed’s presence at the graduation ceremony was driven by his deep commitment to supporting students from his constituency and the wider northeastern region of Kenya, many of whom are studying at Kampala University. He lauded the institution for providing quality education to a diverse student body and expressed a desire to see even greater access for deserving students from across Africa.
The centerpiece of Hon. Mohammed’s announcement was a plea for Kampala University, and other institutions like it, to consider offering scholarships to “very poor students in different parts of the African continent.” He further proposed a unique “sibling” program, suggesting that students sponsored through his own Wajir South constituency bursary scheme, be afforded preferential tuition rates. “Through the Wajia South constituency bursary scheme, I am sponsoring students to come to places like Kampala University to study. If… they could consider my students to be siblings and lower the school fees, we’ll really appreciate it.”
Beyond financial accessibility, Hon. Mohammed stressed the importance of equipping graduates with the skills necessary to thrive in a globalized world. He urged students to be innovative, develop strong soft skills, and “look beyond the job market available within your locality.” He challenged them to strive for employability in “far off fields,” emphasizing that “the world is a global village and one should always try to get an edge in terms of marketing themselves… beyond their own country.”
The MP concluded his address by congratulating the graduating students and reiterating his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. “Nothing is more important than education, nothing is more valuable than education,” he proclaimed, standing amidst the jubilant scholars. Hon. Mohammed’s announcements were met with enthusiastic applause and have sparked considerable discussion about the future of pan-African collaboration in education and the role of political leaders in championing accessible higher education for all. His vision, if realized, could pave the way for a new generation of African leaders and innovators, empowered to address the continent’s challenges and shape its future.